Sealane Defense: An Emerging Role for the JMSDF?
Abstract
Japan's economy, the third largest in the world, is totally dependent on the sea lines of communication for the importation of 90 percent of its energy requirements and strategic metals and for over 70 percent of its food. Despite the importance of the sealanes to Japanese security, the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) remains incapable of protecting those sealanes against interdiction. Although the JMSDF is currently the seventh largest navy in the world, future expansion has been stymied by Japan's steadfast refusal to increase defense spending above one percent of the GNP. Long-range procurement plans focus on qualitative improvements with a primary emphasis on anti-submarine warfare, a strategy which could foreshadow a building program to enable the JMSDF to control the vital sea lanes. On the other hand, political and domestic constraints on a strong military indicate a continuing reliance on the United States for Japan's security. This study examines the factors affecting military decision-making in Japan, looks into the problems and realities of sealane defense and analyzes the future prospects for the JMSDF. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA114547
Entities
People
- Ted Shannon Wile
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School