Admiral Akira Saito, Chief of Staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

ASIAN Defence Journal spoke to the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force Chief of Staff, Admiral Akira Saito, recently. 

ADJ: This year has seen a number of new vessels and weapons systems being commissioned into JMSDF service. Can you brief us on the various ship and armament procurement programmes currently underway, as well as elaborate on the current blueprint and requirements of the JMSDF for the coming decade?

CoS: At the end of 2022, the government of Japan formulated new strategic documents, the “National Security Strategy”, “National Defence Strategy”, and “Defence Buildup Programme”. Of these, the National Defence Strategy outlines Japan’s defence capabilities over the next 10 years. The key point is the “fundamental reinforcement of Japan’s defence capabilities” to respond to changes in the strategic environment, opponent capabilities and new ways of warfare.

The following seven capabilities are highlighted for the fundamental reinforcement of Japan’s defence capabilities: “Stand-Off Defence Capabilities”, “Integrated Air and Missile Defence Capabilities”, “Unmanned Defence Capabilities”, “Cross-Domain Capabilities”, “C2 and Intelligence-related Functions”, “Mobile Deployment Capabilities/Civil Protection”, and “Sustainability and Resiliency”.

The JMSDF will develop and enhance our defence capabilities to ensure that we are able to fulfil the expected roles. As key initiatives, we will first procure long-range guided missiles launched from surface ships or submarines as part of the stand-off defence capabilities. We are also planning to procure ammunition and modify ships to acquire Tomahawk operational capabilities by the end of FY 2025.

Next, to enhance integrated air and missile defence capabilities, we plan to commission two Aegis system-equipped vessels by FY 2028. These ships will possess significantly improved ballistic missile intercept capabilities compared to our existing vessels. In terms of other surface vessels, we plan to continue to develop FFMs, which have significant manpower-saving designs and high stealth, and capable of conducting a variety of missions including mine warfare. Since the last fiscal year, we have begun constructing an upgraded version of the FFM, which will be equipped with long-range anti-ship missiles, and improved air defence and anti-submarine capabilities.

Furthermore, as for cross domain operation capabilities, the JMSDF is acquiring the state-of-the-art Taigei- class submarines to gain and maintain underwater superiority. Efforts are being made to improve the submarines’ detecting capabilities, underwater endurance and quietness as well as to promote manpower-saving in light of the severe workforce conditions. In addition, various defence buildup programmes are being promoted, including the modification of Izumo-class destroyers to support F-35B aircraft, and procurement of unmanned underwater vehicles.

ADJ: With several of the world’s largest navies and coast guards frequently operating in and around Japan’s proximity, can you tell us more about the challenges faced by the JMSDF in securing Japan’s expansive Exclusive Economic Zone under such circumstances?

CoS: While the Indo-Pacific region including Japan is home to more than half of the world’s population and has become an engine of global economic growth, it is also a region that faces many security issues. In the East and South China Seas, China is intensifying unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, while expanding its military activities in the Sea of Japan and Pacific Ocean. North Korea continues to build its arsenal of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles.

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine shakes the very foundation of the international order, and around Japan, Russia has increased military activity including positioning of new equipment and conducting large- scale exercises. Furthermore, China-Russia cooperation in military activities has been growing closer through joint navigation and flights by bombers. In addition, a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between Russia and North Korea was concluded, and military cooperation between Russia and North Korea has been advanced, including the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia and their engagement in combat against Ukraine, as well as Russia’s procurement and use of North Korean weapons and munitions. These developments have become a serious concern not only in the Indo-Pacific but also across the entire international community, including Europe and the Atlantic.

ADJ: On that outlook, how do you interpret the JMSDF’s role in the region and the force’s emphasis on naval diplomacy? Also, can you tell us more regarding current and coming engagements at home and abroad of the JMSDF as Japan looks to deepen maritime cooperation with partner nations?

CoS: Japan is striving to realise a free and open Indo-Pacific and maintain the rules-based international order by strengthening Japan’s own architecture for national defence and promoting cooperation with our ally and like-minded partners. The JMSDF will advance various initiatives to contribute to this aim. In particular, the Japan-US Alliance and our naval cooperation is the cornerstone of our nation’s security. From commanders to the crew, we must build concrete trust and contribute to the strengthening of our alliance. At the same time, the JMSDF is striving to further promote and deepen cooperation with partner navies both in and outside the region. The Indo-Pacific Deployment (IPD) is an endeavour of the JMSDF values. During the eight-month deployment in 2024, the units visited 10 countries and contributed to the enhancement of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region through joint exercises and various defence exchanges.

To speak of our way forward, the JMSDF will enhance cooperation with the US in air defence, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, mine warfare, amphibious operations and logistic support to build a posture capable of effectively executing joint capabilities. With partners, leveraging the governments’ efforts in building frameworks such as ACSA, the JMSDF will make endeavours in joint exercises and defence equipment and technology cooperation. With partners in the Indo-Pacific, to realise and maintain the safe use of sea lanes and tackle global challenges, the JMSDF will continue to strengthen our relationships through defence cooperation such as counter-piracy and capacity building support.

ADJ: Admiral, with your recent promotion as chief of staff in challenging times and possibly tougher times ahead, what is the JMSDF’s top priority now that you have the helm?

CoS: My first priority is to ensure that every member of the JMSDF and the JMSDF as a whole is strong and sincere. Strength is a core and essential element to protect the peace and independence of Japan and the lives of the people. The JMSDF must continue to train our members to be strong through daily missions and education, and build a strong navy in order to achieve our three aims, “Defend Japan’s territory and surrounding waters,” “Secure the safety of maritime traffic,” and “Create a desirable security environment.”

However, strength alone is not enough. When I assumed my position, I made it clear to my staff that, in addition to strength we must also strive for sincerity. We must approach our missions and responsibility with sincerity, and we must faithfully uphold our roles. To do this, we must interact with our colleagues, superiors and subordinates in an honest manner. This, in turn, leads to an organisation built on integrity, one that is trusted and respected by the people of Japan, a democratic country, ultimately fostering a strong and united team.

In the face of a rapidly changing security environment, where even a moment’s hesitation is not permissible, the JMSDF will once again reflect on the fundamental truth that we exist for the interests of Japan and the citizens. We will revisit the core principle that we serve for maritime security, and with sincerity, we will face our mission head-on. By faithfully fulfilling our individual responsibilities and working together as one, we will accomplish the mission entrusted to us.

ADJ: As the third Taigei-class submarine was just recently commissioned, what are the current progress on the remaining vessels in the class as well as the research and development efforts on the next-generation diesel-electric submarines that will supersede the Taigei submarines?

CoS: Submarines are one of the most important assets in the JMSDF defence buildup due to their nature of gaining and maintaining underwater superiority. In addition to further improving the detection capability of the Taigei-class, we are also working to reduce the number of personnel in light of the severe challenges to growing our workforce. In addition to improving the detection capabilities, underwater durability and quietness of the post Taigei-class, we are also working to develop it as an expandable submarine that can handle various missions.

ADJ: With automation planned to be a considerable pillar of JMSDF operations in the future, how has the JMSDF been stepping up ventures into the unmanned domain with programmes such as the experimental extra-large underwater vehicle (UUV) (XLUUV) programme?

CoS: In order to carry out missions while minimising human attrition, we are working on the early delivery of various unmanned assets, involving not only the JMSDF but also the Ministry of Defence. In this context, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that contribute to offshore surveillance are transitioning to the acquisition phase after undergoing trial operations. In addition, we are advancing the development of unmanned surface vehicles (USV) that work in coordination with surface vessels for operational missions, and UUVs to gain underwater superiority. Furthermore, we are working on the early deployment of unmanned assets by cooperating with start-up companies in Japan and overseas.

ADJ: Are you able to share with us the latest progress on current and subsequent refurbishment programmes for the Izumo-class helicopter destroyers, JS Izumo and JS Kaga?

CoS: The first modifications of JS Izumo and JS Kaga have already been completed from October to November 2024. JS Kaga conducted the F-35B developmental test to collect data for ship-based operation, with support from the US. Based on the lessons learned, the second modification will be carried out for each ship.

ADJ: Is the JMSDF looking to acquire more dedicated flat-top surface vessels for aircraft operations or is that requirement currently fulfilled with the Izumo-class modifications?

CoS: At this time, we cannot provide details about the current status of our considerations. In any case, acquiring operational capabilities of the F-35B on board the Izumo-class is essential to address the most difficult post- war security environment surrounding Japan, and to fully defend our sea and air, including the vast Pacific Ocean side, we are pursuing a rapid employment of the capabilities.

ADJ: There have been reports that the 2025 defence allocation will include funding for a cyber and electronic warfare unit at the JMSDF, can you elaborate more on those plans?

CoS: The JMSDF considers cross-domain warfare to be vital, including the space, cyber and electromagnetic spectrum domains in addition to conventional maritime warfare. The significance of intelligence, communications and information support from meteorological and hydrographic professionals will grow even more. In FY 2025, the JMSDF will reorganise the intelligence, communication and meteorological and hydrographic units and establish a new organisation for information warfare, which aims at securing information dominance by integration of activities and information.

Units managing or involving information were not under a single command structure and therefore, there were times when the JMSDF lacked consistency in information activities. By unifying them under the Information Warfare Command, we will enable the reinforcement of information warfare capabilities and rapid decision making, improving the operational effect. The missions of the Information Warfare Command will include non-kinetic defence operations, namely, electronic and cyber warfare, and almost all functions relating to information, such as intelligence, METOC, space, communications and cognitive warfare, which will be coordinated throughout the entire JMSDF, as well as with units participating in joint operations and other organisations.

Besides reorganisation, in FY2025, the JMSDF will invest in enhancing awareness in every potential combat domain including cyber and electromagnetic spectrum, and command and control which is essential for survival. These efforts and new establishments will bring confidence in our future information campaigns.

ADJ: What are some of the JMSDF’s efforts to boost anti-drone capabilities following recent incidents?

CoS: An attack on relevant facilities by drones is a major threat to the defence of Japan; therefore, to enhance the security of our bases, we will implement equipment with improved capabilities to search, identify and respond to illegal drones. For assets at sea, research and development is ongoing for shipboard laser systems which will enable response to drone swarm attacks.

ADJ: Coming off recent losses suffered by the Fleet Air Force, how has the JMSDF moved forward in restoring or possibly increasing numbers of newer aircraft such as the latest SH-60L in the air wing?

CoS: It is my greatest regret to have lost eight precious members of the JMSDF in the collision of two SH-60K helicopters last April. We are putting in every effort to take measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

In terms of aircraft, the SH-60K helicopters are mainly employed for anti-submarine operations and based at six bases in Japan. Since December 2023, the SH-60L helicopters have begun operating as an upgraded version of 60Ks, and will eventually replace them. More specifically, to adapt to changes in the ASW environment such as stealthy and quieter submarines and expanding operational areas, the JMSDF is investing in multi-static ASW capabilities as well as improvement of high temperature resistant engines and various equipped sensors. In addition, to remain flexible for technological innovation, the JMSDF utilises some electrical equipment from the private sector, increasing common parts with the 60K in order to mitigate maintenance costs.

ADJ: With such a strong emphasis on anti-submarine warfare (ASW), how does the JMSDF continue honing its skills on ASW and other vital aspects of naval warfare? And in the aftermath of a string of incidents, how will the JMSDF enhance its training for personnel on ships, land and in the air (such as crucial training for night-time flying operations and others)?

CoS: As the only force with assets capable of operating underwater, the JMSDF puts focus on ASW. When looking at Japan’s neighbours, Russia and China are intensifying their submarine activities, and North Korea has released its plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, which forces us to stay even more vigilant.

To boost surface warfare expertise, instead of only having surface units take part, the JMSDF conducts joint exercises with surface, air, and ground units, and also carries out combined exercises with our allies and partners such as the US Navy to improve various tactical skills. In addition, as for accident-prevention, the JMSDF is implementing safety measures according to identified causes of accidents, and confirming members’ skills, along with necessary training.

In addition, the JMSDF conducts the Annual Exercise which involves all units in the JMSDF and aims at executing and improving the commander’s tactical decision-making and the units’ operation procedures. There are also multiple joint exercises planned by the Joint Staff that the JMSDF takes part in, in order to seamlessly deliver response and deterrence as the Self-Defence Forces.

ADJ: With humanitarian assistance and disaster humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) being an essential responsibility of the JMSDF at home and beyond, how has the force reinforced its HADR capabilities and those of disaster-prone partner nations?

CoS: Japan is an island nation with frequent floods, typhoons and earthquakes, and history tells us that natural disasters are major issues we must face. Therefore, although our priority is national defence, we also place humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as one of our essential missions. We maintain our vigilance to quickly respond to any kind of disaster, as well as train, conduct exercises with major disaster scenarios, and draw up response plans for such cases.

Leveraging our expertise from past disaster relief operations, the JMSDF has executed the necessary defence buildup and exercises to enhance HADR capabilities. As an example, the Izumo-class DDH takes on a command role in the event of disaster relief operations, and by operating helicopters from sea, it enables the transport of goods to and the evacuation of patients from disaster-hit areas.

Through joint exercises, seminars, and capacity building support, the expertise we have built over time is shared with our partners who also face numerous disasters. In MARARA 2024 held last May, we participated in an HADR exercise alongside 22 nations. The Indo-Pacific frequently faces earthquakes and typhoons; therefore, reinforcing HADR capabilities is an urgent issue for many countries in the region. The JMSDF has conducted, and will continue to conduct exercises, and provide support in cooperation with our partners.

ADJ: Is there anything else you would like to add?

CoS: I would like to address the ship sinking incident that occurred last year. On November 10, 2024, the minesweeper JS Ukushima caught fire while sailing for training and sank on the following day. The JMSDF had been searching for one missing crew member with the cooperation of the Japan Coast Guard and other Self-Defence Forces until December 25 last year, when human remains were discovered, and subsequently identified as belonging to the missing through DNA analysis. As I mentioned earlier about the collision of the helicopters, it is devastating to lose valued members of the JMSDF. We are determined to thoroughly investigate this accident, and ensure the safety of our operations.

Last but not least, Japan is promoting the vision, “Free and Open Indo- Pacific”. “Freedom” and “the Rule of Law” as fundamental ideas in the vision, however, “diversity,” “inclusivity” and “openness” are also elements we value. Further, we do not exclude anyone, we do not create camps and we do not impose values. With that in mind, the JMSDF will further enhance defence exchange and cooperation, realise a rules-based free and open maritime order and contribute to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.