Japanese warships off Okinawa could soon carry ground troops as Tokyo keeps eyes on Beijing
- Move is being mulled as the latest enhancement to the country’s military capabilities in the face of a growing Chinese presence
Japan is considering deploying ground troops aboard Maritime Self-Defence Force warships in waters off the country’s southwest. It would be the latest enhancement of the nation’s capabilities in the region and a clear signal to Beijing that Tokyo will defend its territory, analysts said.
Quoting unnamed government sources, the Yomiuri newspaper reported officials had weighed having as many as 300 members of the Ground Self-Defence Force’s (GSDF) Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade operate from Osumi-class transport ships.
Established in April 2018, the unit is based on the US Marine Corps and was specifically created to conduct beach assaults and recover islands occupied by an adversary.
Sources told the Yomiuri the troops could be deployed aboard the 8,900-tonne vessels as soon as next year. The ships can carry up to eight helicopters and have well decks to the stern from where smaller landing craft can be launched.
One source said the introduction of joint operations between the military’s ground and maritime arms was designed to “enhance deterrent capabilities by showing Japan’s will to defend its territories”.