Expanded defense powers: Japan, US to discuss new joint military operations

Expanded defense powers: Japan, US to discuss new joint military operations

TOKYO — With sweeping security legislation allowing Japan’s defense forces to take on a greater role, the government will work with the U.S. military to craft procedural rules and action plans to prepare for expanded joint missions.

     Washington and Tokyo will soon start discussing procedures and drills for operations involving Japan’s Self-Defense Forces protecting the U.S. military. New joint operational plans will include such situations as Japan protecting an American ship detecting ballistic missiles. A joint planning team made up of defense officials will be set up as soon as early next year to work out the details.

     The Acquisition and Cross-Service Agreement between Japan’s SDF and the U.S. military will be updated to reflect the expanded logistical support permitted by the new legislation. A revised draft with new provisions such as ammunition supply will be signed as early as next month. The government aims to have it approved during the extraordinary Diet session this fall to ensure it is in place when the new laws take effect in March.

     Rules of engagement will be established for each new set of duties, laying out decision-making standards and procedures for SDF officials. Protecting employees of nongovernmental organizations will be added to the list of duties for SDF personnel engaging in United Nations peacekeeping operations in South Sudan when replacement troops are dispatched as early as May. Restrictions on the use of force will be relaxed under new standards, letting SDF troops fire warning shots even when not under attack.

     Japan could also participate for the first time in multilateral military drills in the Rimpac maritime exercise to be held by the U.S. next summer. Until now, Japan had only held drills with the U.S. under scenarios assuming an attack on Japan. Because the right to collective self-defense laid out in the new laws is applicable to other countries in addition to the U.S., drills with Australia and other allies will also be considered.

     New equipment will be brought in as well. The fiscal 2016 draft budget includes a request for four protected mobility vehicles to transport Japanese evacuees. The SDF will employ the Boeing KC-46A aerial tanker for midair refueling of U.S. fighter jets.

(Nikkei)

Expanded defense powers: Japan, US to discuss new joint military operations