Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Establishes Integrated Operations Command, Raising Concerns of Closer Ties with US Military

Japan's three Self-Defense Forces (SDF) – Ground, Maritime, and Air – will celebrate their 70th anniversary on July 1st. The Japanese government is pushing for enhanced defense capabilities in the Southwest region, keeping in mind China's increasing military build-up and active maritime expansion. In particular, to bolster its response capabilities in the event of a Taiwan contingency, Japan has decided to establish an Integrated Operations Command that will centrally manage the three SDF branches.

However, concerns remain about the further acceleration of integration with the U.S. military. The Japanese government plans to launch the Integrated Operations Command, comprising 240 personnel, in Tokyo's Shibuya district by the end of fiscal year 2024. This constitutes a large-scale organizational restructuring rarely seen in recent years. A general equivalent in rank to the chiefs of staff of the three SDF branches will be appointed as the commander. The Integrated Staff Chief will serve as an advisor to the Minister of Defense, while the Integrated Operations Commander will focus on leading the troops.

Underlying this movement is a strong sense of crisis regarding a potential Taiwan contingency. The United States is also considering strengthening the authority of the U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) command. Currently, the command, based at Yokota Air Base in Tokyo, has limited authority primarily focused on base management. As such, options are being explored to transfer some of the authority of the Indo-Pacific Command, headquartered in Hawaii, which is currently responsible for operational command and coordination with the SDF.

The Japanese government is also rapidly expanding its relationships with countries across Asia, Oceania, and Europe, centering on the Japan-U.S. alliance. However, concerns are mounting about Japan's ability to independently formulate and implement its defense policy if integration with the U.S. military accelerates. Going forward, Japan will likely need to strengthen cooperation with the U.S. military through the establishment of the Integrated Operations Command while also bolstering its independent defense capabilities.