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(Tentative Unofficial Translation)

IV. Contents of Japan's Defense Capability

As the basis for fulfilling the roles for defense capability outlined in section III, the Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces will maintain structures as described in paragraph 1, and assume the postures suggested in paragraphs 2 and 3.

1. Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Force structures

(1) The Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF)

  1. The GSDF, in order to be capable of rapid and effective systematic defense operations from the outset of aggression in any part of Japan, must deploy its divisions and brigades in a balanced manner that conforms to Japan's geographical and other characteristics.
  2. The GSDF must possess at least functional one unit of each of the various types of forces used mainly for mobile operations.
  3. The GSDF must possess ground-to-air missile units capable of undertaking the air defense of divisions and other units, as well as vital areas.
  4. The GSDF, in order to maintain a high level of proficiency and to rapidly counter aggressions and other situations, must, in principle, staff its units with regular Self-Defense Personnel, while,when organizing, some units may be staffed by Self-Defense Force Reserves personnel capable of being quickly mobilized.

(2) Maritime Self-Defense Forces (MSDF)

  1. The MSDF must possess one fleet escort force as a mobile operating ship unit in order to quickly respond to aggressive action and such situations at sea. The fleet escort force must be able to maintain at least one escort flotilla on alert at all times.
  2. The MSDF must possess, as ship units assigned to coastal surveillance and defense, at least one escort ship division in each specified sea district.
  3. The MSDF must maintain submarine units, patrol helicopter and minesweeping units, providing the capability for surveillance and defense missions as well as minesweeping at important harbors and straits as necessary.
  4. The MSDF must maintain fixed-wing patrol aircraft units to provide a capability for surveillance, patrol and other operations in nearby seas.

(3) Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF)

  1. The ASDF must possess aircraft control and warning units capable of vigilance and surveillance throughout Japanese airspace on a continuous basis, as well as performing warning and control functions as necessary.
  2. The ASDF must possess fighter units and ground-to-air missile units for air defense to provide the capability of maintaining continuous alert, to take immediate and appropriate steps against violations of Japan's territorial airspace and air incursions.
  3. The ASDF must possess units capable of engaging in the inter-diction of airborne or amphibious landing invasions and air support for land forces as necessary.
  4. The ASDF must possess units capable of effective operational supports, including air reconnaissance, air transportation and other operations as necessary.

2. Necessary postures to be maintained

In maintaining the following postures, special attention must be paid to achieving joint and integrated operations among each Self-Defense Force through enhancement of the Joint Staff Council's function and promoting integrated cooperative relationships with related organizations so that the Self-Defense Forces can quickly and effectively carry out their missions.

(1) Setup for countering aggressions or similar situations

  1. In the case of direct aggression, the Japan's defense structure must be able to respond immediately in accordance with the type and scale of the aggression, and exert its capability effectively by integrating its assorted defense functions and by maintaining and enhancing the credibility of the Japan-U.S. security arrangements through various bilateral studies, joint exercises and training.
  2. Japan's defense structure must be capable of responding immediately and taking appropriate actions, should an indirect act of aggression or unlawful military action occur.
  3. Japan's defense structure must be capable of taking immediate and appropriate actions to cope with aircraft invading or threatening to invade its territorial airspace.

(2) Setup of disaster-relief operations

Japan's defense structure must be capable of taking timely and appropriate disaster relief activities in any area of Japan in response to large-scale disasters or other situations which require protection of lives and assets.

(3) Setup of international peace cooperation activities and others

The Self-Defense Forces must be capable of participating in inter-national peace cooperation activities and international disaster relief activities in a timely and appropriate manner to contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in the international community.

(4) Setup of warning, intelligence, and command and communication

Japan's defense structure must be capable of conducting warning and surveillance on a continuous basis to detect any changes in circumstances as soon as possible, so as to utilize this information for quick decision-making. It must be capable of high-level intelligence gathering and analysis, including strategic intelligence, through possession of diversified intelligence-gathering means and mechanisms, and highly able intelligence specialists.

Additionally, it must possess a sophisticated command and communication capability and be able to quickly and effectively conduct integrated defense operations from a joint perspective.

(5) Setup of logistic support

Japan's defense structure must be capable of carrying out necessary functions in each area of logistic support, such as transportation,search and rescue, supply, maintenance and medical and sanitary affairs, so that responses to various situations can be effectively conducted.

(6) Setup of personnel affairs, and education and training

Japan's defense structure must be capable of exerting its full potential as an organization by forming an appropriate personnel structure, maintaining strict discipline, and being composed of individuals with high morale and capability and broad perspective. For training personnel, it is necessary to promote personnel exchange programs within the Self-Defense Forces, as well as with other ministries and the private sector. It must be capable of recruiting, treating, educating and training its personnel in appropriate ways, while paying attention to the smooth execution of international peace cooperation activities.

3. Maintenance of flexible defense capability

As a result of the revision of the scale and functions of Japan's defense capability, Japan's defense structure must possess adequate flexibility, so that smooth response can be made to changing situations by maintaining in education and training sections,personnel and equipment which require long training or acquisition time periods and by retaining high readiness Self-Defence Force Reservists.

The specific scales of key organizations and equipment are given in the attachment.

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