Japan GSDF completes deployment of amphibious brigade | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force has completed the deployment of all its amphibious operation units tasked with defending the country’s remote islands.

The GSDF Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade was established in 2018 and has been deployed in stages. The brigade’s main missions include recapturing far-off islands in the event of an invasion.

A ceremony on Sunday marked the completion achieved with the deployment of a third regiment at Camp Takematsu in the southwestern prefecture of Nagasaki. The unit plays a central role in the brigade.

Defense Minister Kihara Minoru handed the brigade’s flag to the commander of the regiment.

The Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade now consists of about 3,300 personnel.

GSDF officials say the latest deployment will enable Japan to swiftly respond to a contingency, as any of the three regiments can be temporarily dispatched to southwestern waters or territory around the Nansei Islands.

Kihara told reporters that defending Japan’s remote islands is crucial to the country’s existence, as it has many such islands. He added that the additional regiment will help the GSDF further strengthen its deterrence and response capabilities.