Latest news with #MaritimeSelf-DefenseForce
Yomiuri Shimbun
6 hours ago
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Board of Audit of Japan Warns Many MSDF P-1 Patrol Planes Inoperable; Parts Shortages, Device Defects Among Causes
Some Maritime Self-Defense Force P-1 patrol planes are not operational, according to a Board of Audit of Japan report released Friday. P-1 patrol planes are for detecting submarines and surveilling suspicious ships in the seas around Japan. The Board of Audit said that frequent engine trouble and shortages of parts for repairs are among the causes of the planes' underutilization. The report stated that 'a limited number of planes are mission ready' and demanded the Defense Ministry improve the situation. Thirty-five P-1 planes had been procured as of fiscal 2023 at a total cost of about ¥1.78 trillion. The government plans to procure another 26 units before fiscal 2054, when P-1 planes are set to cease operations. In compiling the report, the Board of Audit checked the operational conditions of P-1 planes between fiscal 2019 and 2023 and concluded that they had been underutilized because of three factors: deterioration of engine performance; defects in electronic information-gathering devices; and a chronic shortage of replacement parts. The report stated that, in many cases, the engine deterioration and electronic device defects were caused by material erosion due to long flights over the sea. There were many cases in which such planes became unusable. Additionally, the low utilization rate was found to be caused by delays in procuring parts due to rapid changes in the global landscape and a worldwide semiconductor shortage. As a result, some P-1 planes have had to undergo 'cannibalistic maintenance' — in which parts of one P-1 plane are replaced with parts from others. Such units are utilized only in stopgap operations. The Board of Audit did not disclose numerical data of the operations, names of defective devices and other details, as disclosing them could reveal the MSDF's capability to deal with contingencies. Speaking to reporters, a Defense Ministry official said, 'We are taking the pointed-out facts seriously and will continue making efforts to maximize the operational levels [of P-1 patrol planes].'
Yomiuri Shimbun
4 days ago
- General
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Chinese Aircraft Carrier Shandong Intensifies Activities in Pacific; Defense Ministry Monitors Observe 70 Takeoffs and Landings from Friday to Sunday
Aircraft took off from and landed on the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong about 70 times between Friday and Sunday as it sailed on the Pacific Ocean, the Defense Ministry has announced. According to Monday's announcement, the ministry began monitoring the Shandong early this month and confirmed about 420 takeoffs and landings between then and Sunday. The Shandong was seen heading toward the South China Sea on Monday by a Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer engaged in monitoring and surveillance.
Yomiuri Shimbun
21-06-2025
- General
- Yomiuri Shimbun
China's Aircraft Carriers Conduct over 1,000 Flight Operations Near Japan Since Late May
About 270 takeoff and landing operations of fighter jets based on the Chinese Navy's two aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, were conducted in the Pacific Ocean from Tuesday through Thursday, Japan's Defense Ministry said Friday. The number of flight operations by Chinese aircraft carriers in the waters near Japan since late May confirmed by the ministry was about 1,050 in total. The Liaoning passed between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island to the East China Sea. A Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer and other vessels conducted surveillance on the aircraft carriers. The ministry believes the Chinese Navy has been improving operational abilities of its aircraft carriers.
Yomiuri Shimbun
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Destroyer Passed Through Taiwan Strait in Mid-June Amid China's Intensifying Military Activities
Yomiuri Shimbun file photo The Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Takanami in February 2020 The Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Takanami passed through the Taiwan Strait on June 12, several government sources said. This is the third time an MSDF vessel has passed through the strait, following September last year and March this year. The move is seen as an attempt to deter China, which is intensifying its military activities. After passing through the strait, the Takanami took part in a joint drill with the Philippine Navy in the South China Sea on June 14.
Asahi Shimbun
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Asahi Shimbun
MSDF destroyer sails through Taiwan Strait amid tensions
The JS Takanami of the Maritime Self-Defense Force joins a joint exercise with the Philippine Navy in the South China Sea on June 14. (Toshiya Obu) The Maritime Self-Defense Force's destroyer JS Takanami passed through the contested Taiwan Strait, waters between China and Taiwan that China considers its own, in mid-June, multiple government sources said. The move is believed to be aimed at deterring China, which has been ratcheting up its naval activities in the region. This marks the third time that an MSDF vessel has passed through the strait, following similar passages in September last year and February this year. According to the government sources, the JS Takanami headed south through the passageway from the East China Sea on June 12 and entered the South China Sea. It is believed that the course was chosen deliberately on its way to a joint exercise with the Philippine Navy held on June 14. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani reportedly advised the prime minister's office that Japan should demonstrate its resolve not to allow any unilateral attempts by China to change the status quo, and had been seeking an opportunity for such a transit. Since late May, the Chinese navy has operated two aircraft carriers in waters near Japan. On June 7, for the first time, the Chinese naval vessels crossed the 'second island chain,' which stretches from Japan's Izu island chain to Guam. On June 7 and 8, carrier-based aircraft from a Chinese carrier flew unusually close to MSDF aircraft, among other activities. (This article was written by Daisuke Yajima and Mizuki Sato.)
