Japanese defence ministry activates new maritime transport unit

The Japanese Ministry of Defence (MOD) formally established a new maritime transportation unit of the Japan Self-Defence Forces (JSDF) on Monday, March 24.

The Maritime Transport Group (MTG) will initially be equipped with ten vessels. This number will include the future Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) landing craft utility (LCU) Nihonbare (pictured) and three other LCUs from the same class built by Naikai Zosen Corporation.

The JGSDF will be the primary operator of the LCUs, though personnel from the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) and the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) will also be assigned to the MTG.

Direct control of the new unit, which will initially consist of around 100 personnel, will be the responsibility of the MOD.

The establishment of the MTG is in line with the MOD's goal of enhancing the JSDF's ability to rapidly deploy troops, vehicles, ammunition, and other supplies to Japan's frontline bases, particularly those facing towards Taiwan.