The Takaichi Cabinet is working to strengthen security policies under the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II. In the Diet session that adjourned in July, two laws related to the Ministry of Defense were enacted.
Today, I would first like to introduce the content related to the “reorganization of the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces.”
First, the reorganization of the “Air Self-Defense Force” into the “Air and Space Self-Defense Force.”
Outer space has become the foundation for the operations of the Self-Defense Forces and for the very fabric of national life itself, and if its stable utilization is impeded, it could hinder the execution of missions by the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces, or harm economic and social activities.
For this reason, the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces have been working to strengthen defense capabilities in the space domain, with the aim of ensuring the stable utilization of outer space in any situation.
In fiscal year Reiwa 8, the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces plan to launch the “Space Situational Awareness (SDA) satellite,” which they will possess and operate for the first time on their own.
At the same time, a new “Space Operations Group” will be established within the Air Self-Defense Force.
Through these measures, in recognition that outer space will become an operational domain for the Self-Defense Forces, the Air Self-Defense Force will be reorganized into the “Air and Space Self-Defense Force.”
Second, the reorganization of the Ground Self-Defense Force’s “15th Brigade” into the “15th Division.”
The Ground Self-Defense Force deploys 9 “divisions” and 6 “brigades” across the country, of which the “15th Brigade” is stationed in Okinawa Prefecture, with its headquarters in Naha City.
In fiscal year Reiwa 8, that 15th Brigade will be reorganized into a “division.”
By adding one “infantry regiment” and placing the “security units” deployed on Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island under its command, among other measures, personnel will be increased from the current approximately 2,300 to approximately 3,900, thereby strengthening the posture for defending the southwestern region.
Third, amid the growing policy challenges for the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces, the number of “Vice Ministers of Defense” will be increased.
To build a better security environment, it is necessary to further deepen and expand defense cooperation and exchanges with other countries, and overseas trips by the “three political appointees” (minister, vice ministers, and parliamentary vice ministers) are on an upward trend.
In addition, when the Minister of Defense is abroad, another minister is designated as “acting minister,” but if an emergency or large-scale natural disaster occurs during that time, the “acting minister” would have to perform the duties of the Minister of Defense in addition to their original duties, which could strain operations.
In light of this, to further strengthen the support system of “political” aides who can act on behalf of the Minister of Defense’s duties, the number of Vice Ministers of Defense will be increased from 1 to 2.
These initiatives will be implemented under the current “three documents” (the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, and the Defense Buildup Program), but we are proceeding with deliberations to revise the “three documents” within this year, and we will continue our efforts toward the fundamental strengthening of defense capabilities.
: Sanae Takaichi
Prime Minister of Japan