The 7th Surface-to-Ship Missile Regiment is a missile unit of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.[2] The unit, established on 21 March 2024, is garrisoned in Uruma and it is tasked with coastal defence duties.[3]
| 7th Surface-to-Ship Missile Regiment | |
|---|---|
| Active | 21 March 2024 - present |
| Country |  Japan |
| Branch |  Japan Ground Self-Defense Force |
| Type | Missile unit |
| Role | Coastal defence |
| Size | 200 troops |
| Part of | 2nd Artillery Brigade[1] |
| Garrison/HQ | Katsuren camp |
The Regiment is equipped with Type 12 coastal defence anti-ship guided missiles.
History
editIn September 2021, the Japanese Ministry of Defence deployed to Okinawa Island Type 12 anti-ship missile batteries, along with around 180 troops, in order to bolster the defence of the southwestern islands.[2]
On 21 March 2024,[4] after slightly increasing the troops, the deployment was established as an independent unit.[5]
Mission
editThe 7th Surface-to-Ship Missile Regiment is to play a central role in Japan's defence of the Okinawa Prefecture. The Regiment’s primary task is to perform surveillance of foreign military vessels in the waters between Okinawa and Miyako-jima.[4] The unit is tasked with blocking a possible invasion of the remote islands from the sea and confronting invading forces.[2]
The Regiment also takes on the role of supervising other missile units deployed on both Miyako-jima and Ishigaki-jima islands in Okinawa, as well as on Amami Ōshima island in Kagoshima Prefecture.[2][4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Establishment of New Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment and Surface-to-Ship Missile Regiment". Japan Defense Focus (172): 2. June 2024. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
- ^ a b c d Kajal, Kapil (1 April 2024). "Japan deploys anti-ship missile unit in Okinawa". Janes.com. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Deploys Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile Unit In Okinawa - MilitaryLeak.COM". militaryleak.com. 7 April 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ a b c Dangwal, Ashish (1 April 2024). "Japan Deploys 1st Surface-To-Ship Missile Unit On Okinawa Island To Puncture Chinese Navy Threats". The Eurasian Times. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "Ceremony marks launch of land-to-ship missile unit on Okinawa island". Kyodo News+. 30 March 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2024.