Economy & Tech

Japan Coast Guard Gears Up for Disasters and Regional Security Risks

Building its largest-ever marine platform, the Japan Coast Guard is preparing for patrols, support roles, and evacuations against natural or manmade dangers.

Published

2 months ago

September 16, 2024

The Sankei Shimbun

Two Japan Coast Guard patrol boats block a Chinese Coast Guard ship (center back) off the coast of Uotsuri Island in the Senkaku Islands, on April 27 in Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture @Sankei by Naoki Otake)

On August 27, the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) announced plans to build its largest multipurpose patrol vessel to date. This decision responds to repeated territorial incursions by China Coast Guard and other Chinese ships near the Senkaku Islands. It also addresses the need to prepare for possible evacuations in a Taiwan-related crisis.

The new vessel will measure approximately 200 meters in length and weigh about 30,000 tons. It is over four times larger than the JCG's current largest patrol vessels, which are about 6,500 tons. Japan Coast Guard expects it to enter service in 2029.

The total construction cost is estimated at ¥68 billion JPY ($483 million USD). Of that, ¥3.43 billion ($24.4 million ) is already included in the FY2025 budget request. The overall budget request for the JCG is ¥293.5 billion ($2.1 billion ). That represents a 12% increase from the 2024 initial budget and sets a new record.

Filling Multiple Types of Needs

The JCG describes its new patrol vessel as a multipurpose platform. It is designed to meet needs related to the Senkakus as well as a potential Taiwan contingency. In addition, it will help Japan respond to increasingly severe natural disasters, such as a potential Nankai Trough earthquake.

It is designed to play a key role in evacuation of residents and transportation of essential supplies in the case of emergencies. Appropriately it will be able to accommodate up to 1,000 people during crises.

The vessel will also feature hangars capable of housing up to three helicopters, with the ability to operate two simultaneously. However, the multipurpose platform will not be equipped with weapons like autocannons. Rather, it is specifically designed to function as a sea base for security operations.

Preventing Future Airport Accidents

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) is also addressing other needs. One is related to the tragic January collision between a Japan Airlines plan and a JCG aircraft at Haneda Airport.

In this case, MLIT included a request for funds in its 2025 budget to install additional lighting at major airports. The proposed measures were outlined in an interim report published in June. The Civil Aviation Bureau is seeking ¥1.98 billion ($14 million), with additional funding expected from the Policy Bureau’s budget.