Part Ⅲ Three Pillars of Japan’s Defense (Means to Achieve the Objectives of Defense) Response in Electromagnetic Domain ● The MOD/SDF will: enhance its ability to appropriately manage and coordinate the use of electromagnetic spectrum; strengthen information collection and analysis capabilities related to electromagnetic spectrum, and develop an information sharing posture; and strengthen capabilities to neutralize the radar and communications of opponents who intend to invade Japan. ● In addition to the establishment of the GSDF Electronic Warfare Unit, in FY2020, the SDF will also proceed with development of standoff electronic warfare aircraft for jamming, and R&D aimed at the procurement of potentially game-changing technologies, such as high-power microwave devices and a high-energy laser system (HEL). Efforts of the MOD/SDF in response to the Spread of Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) ● In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the MOD/SDF gathered all their strength to carry out various activities. None of the SDF personnel engaged in the activities got infected (as of May 31, 2020.) ● In addition to activities in the cruise ship Diamond Princess, the MOD/SDF implemented disaster relief pertaining to rescue for prevention of the spread of COVID-19, disaster relief for reinforcement of border control against COVID-19, and education on infection protection for employees of the local governments. ● The SDF hospitals and the National Defense Medical College Hospital (NDMCH) have been accepting COVID-19 patients. A clinical trial of Avigan (favipiravir) tablets was also started. ● The MOD/SDF disclosed protective measures of “JSDF’s standards” in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. At the same time, through the ministerial telephone conversations, the defense authorities shared information, lessons learned and knowledge obtained primarily while taking infection control measures. A SDF medical officer collecting PCR samples from the crew of the cruise ship (February 2020) Response to Large-Scale Disasters ● The SDF works in collaboration with local governments, engaged in various activities such as the search and rescue of disaster victims and ships and aircraft in distress, and preventing epidemics. In FY2019, the SDF conducted 449 disaster relief operations, including the disaster relief in response to the flooding caused by heavy rain accompanying a front in August 2019 (Northern Kyushu Heavy Rain), the 2019 Boso Peninsula Typhoon (Typhoon Faxai) and the 2019 East Japan Typhoon (Typhoon Hagibis). ● At the beginning of a disaster, the SDF will maintain response readiness to any damage and need for activities while giving the first priority to life-saving activities. For livelihood support, the SDF will coordinate the division of roles, response policy, activity period, and other matters with relevant parties including the local governments and ministries concerned at the local response headquarters, etc. ● The SDF strengthened dissemination of information so that people can easily access the information related to support. ASDF personnel engaging in activities to save lives using a rescue helicopter at the time of Typhoon Hagibis (October 2019) Information Gathering Activities for Ensuring the Safety of Japan-related Vessels in the Middle East ● In order to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East and the safety of Japan-related vessels, as a part of Japan’s independent initiative, the Cabinet decided to dispatch MSDF vessels for the purpose of gathering information and to utilize the existing counter-piracy unit. ● On January 11, 2020, two P-3C (fixed-wing patrol aircraft) left Japan to replace the counter-piracy unit and began information gathering activities on the 20th. Destroyer JS “Takanami” left port on February 2 and began information gathering activities in the field on February 26. On May 10, 2020, Destroyer JS “Kirisame” left Japan to replace “Takanami.” MSDF personnel of Destroyer JS “Takanami” engaging in information gathering activities in the Northern Arabian Sea (February 2020) 29 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2020