Training Other PAC-3 Units
As North Korea expands their ballistic missile capabilities, Japan is increasingly relying on their Aegis destroyers and Patriot missiles (PAC-3) to counter the growing threat.
Particularly, the PAC-3 missiles serve as the “last line of defense” within Japan’s missile defense strategy, placing the country’s ultimate fate in its capabilities.
These PAC-3s are operated by the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), and distributed among 24 units specializing in surface-to-air combat.
Among these, the “Air Defense Missile Training Group” stationed at Hamamatsu Air Base is considered the most elite as they are the ones responsible for training other PAC-3 units.
The group’s primary mission is to provide education and support to other air defense units, enhancing their overall proficiency. Such role is similar to the well-known “Aggressors” or Flight Training Squadron at Komatsu Air Base, which trains fighter pilots, thereby making the Air Defense Missile Training Group the equivalent in terms of surface-to-air defense.
Whenever new missiles or systems are introduced to JASDF, the group is the first to evaluate and study their capabilities, develop training manuals, and conduct education for other frontline units.
The group is largely divided into the 1st Training Squadron, which oversees air defense command, and the 2nd Training Squadron, responsible for on-site launch operations. For example, the latter will accompany and support PAC-3 teams who are sent to the US for live-fire exercise.
Since live-fire exercises cannot be conducted in Japan due to lack of sufficient air space, training in the US provides a vital opportunity for air defense units in confirming their actual skills.
In order to ensure smooth training and allow the PAC-3 team to focus on their mission, the 2nd training group handles accommodation as well as coordination with the US military.
Additionally, another training unit is stationed at Chitose Air Base in Hokkaido to train base defense units. This “Base Air Defense Training Unit” specializes in short-range surface-to-air missiles intended for cruise missiles and enemy aircraft, rather than ballistic missiles.
Good Enough To Teach
JASDF’s PAC-3 units are renowned for their high accuracy during live-fire exercises, but the Air Defense Missile Training Group excels in terms of entire capacity and expertise.
Not limited to air-defense, teaching others require a whole new level of skills, resulting in the never-ending pursuit of self-improvement.
By constantly improving their own capabilities, the group not only focuses on accuracy, but also excels in precise command and rapid deployment, ensuring their overall advantage.
Using such unmatched abilities, the group trains and provides feedback to each PAC-3 units, elevating their performance as well to enhance Japanese missile defense.
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