Defense Minister’s Press Conference, October 16
Overview
Defense Minister Koizumi announced the return of the transport ship Kunisaki after it conducted international emergency relief operations during forest fires in Indonesia, as well as plans for the Malaysian defense minister’s visit to Japan and a defense ministers’ meeting. In response to questions, he described the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning’s advance into the Pacific and the takeoffs and landings of its aircraft, saying that Japan’s information-gathering and surveillance capabilities on the Pacific side are limited and that strengthening the defense posture is urgent. He also addressed the use of civilian airports by Osprey aircraft for transport during the Japan-U.S. joint exercise Keen Sword 27, citing the transport purpose and measures to ensure safety.
Key points
- The unit’s record in firefighting operations during the forest fires in Indonesia and the positive assessment from local officials were presented.
- The Malaysian defense minister is scheduled to visit Japan, and a meeting with the defense minister was announced.
- The minister pointed to the expansion of China’s military activities and said that strengthening surveillance capabilities on the Pacific side and Japan’s defense posture is urgent.
- For transport associated with the Japan-U.S. joint exercise, Japanese and U.S. Ospreys will use Miyako and Ishigaki airports.
Overview
The press conference was held on October 16, 2026, in front of the Cabinet Room in the main building of the National Diet. The opening announcements covered two matters: international emergency relief operations in Indonesia and the Malaysian defense minister’s visit to Japan. Questions addressed Chinese naval activities and the Japan-U.S. joint exercise.
Impact
The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces say they will give the utmost consideration to safety during the exercise and work to minimize its impact on local residents.
Details
The transport ship Kunisaki returned to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Yokosuka District. Three CH-47 transport helicopters conducted 56 firefighting missions in total and dropped approximately 280 tonnes of water. Defense Minister Shafri awarded medals to all personnel, and the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces stated that they would engage in humanitarian assistance as members of the international community and deepen defense cooperation with Indonesia.
Defense Minister Khaled Nordin is scheduled to visit Japan from October 18 to 21 and hold a meeting on the 19th. They plan to exchange views on regional affairs, including maritime security, discuss strengthening defense cooperation, and build mutual trust.
According to the minister, multiple Chinese naval vessels transited from the East China Sea between Okinawa Island and Miyakojima into the Pacific on October 14, cruised there, and headed toward the South China Sea on the 15th. On the 14th, approximately 10 takeoffs and landings by carrier-based fighter aircraft and helicopters from the aircraft carrier Liaoning were confirmed. The minister explained that these activities are considered part of efforts to expand military activities in surrounding areas and improve aircraft carrier operational capabilities. He also expressed his intention to deepen concrete and realistic deliberations toward revising the Three Strategic Documents.
Keen Sword 27 is scheduled to take place nationwide from October 19 to 29. The minister explained that Japanese and U.S. Ospreys will use Miyako Airport and Ishigaki Airport to transport equipment and other items needed for exercises in the Sakishima Islands, and that their capabilities can be used in scenarios including disaster response.