Repelling Enemy Soldiers
Fighter jets are absolutely necessary for securing air superiority, but these highly sophisticated weapons rely heavily on ground-based airbases. Should these bases become destroyed or dysfunctional, the true value of one’s air power would be significantly diminished.
Acknowledging such vulnerability of air power. the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) places a strong emphasis on “base defense” to protect their airbases from enemy attacks.
Major bases with runways are often equipped with “air defense units” who are armed with surface-to-air missiles.
That being said, such enemy attacks may not always come from the air. Even a small team of commandos can infiltrate and cause damage to the tarmac and radar facilities.
In addition to these infiltration tactics, the enemy may rather try to seize the airfield using paratroopers, as seen in the initial stages of the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Considering such scenarios, each JASDF base has their own security unit, which functions as part of overall base defense.
We must point out that this differs from base air defense units, which targets incoming aircraft and missiles, and is designed to repel enemy soldiers on foot.
Air defense units operate primarily at major bases, whereas base security units are stationed at all JASDF bases across the country, regardless of their size and location.
Even small, remote radar outposts in mountainous areas must be protected, as they are an essential part of a wider early warning network.
Generally, such responsibility falls to personnel who specializes in the security role. This occupational speciality normally guards the main gate and patrol the base on a daily basis.
But, in emergency situations, they are the ones to conduct ground combat using small arms, making their role somewhat similar to that of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).
Nonetheless, most bases would have contracted security guards at the entrance, as there are simply not enough personnel to begin with. Smaller bases will have to mobilize non-security personnel, forming a mixed team of specialists and non-specialists from their already few staff members.
Large air bases may be better off, since they can rely on more personnel and even guard dogs, but the other non-security personnel would be mobilized anyway during an attack.
After all, it’s not really the time to continue desk work when your base is under enemy assault.
Obsolete Weapons And Gear
So, what kind of equipment do JASDF base security units have?
To start with, each unit will be armed with 9mm pistols and the Type 64 rifle.
But, the Type 64 rifle was developed over half a century ago, being retired or designated as reserve weapons in the Army (JGSDF).
The heavy rifle is often criticized for its poor maintainability and lack of accuracy, but since JASDF was lower priority when it came to small firearms, they are still stuck with the obsolete weapon .
Unfortunately, it is no better in terms of personnel gear. Surely, they will wear body armor and helmets, but equipment like night-vision goggles and targeting scopes are barely available.
This certainly raises concerns towards their capability to withstand well-equipped intruders. The enemy might as well attack with newer rifles, equipped with the latest scopes, whereas JASDF security units fight with outdated, inferior weapons.
Such security units may also be unprepared training wise, as they don’t have the luxury to conduct live-fire exercises very often.
On the contrary, the tight budget has made them lucky if they have the opportunity to shoot blanks. In many cases, the security units will simply shoot with their mouth, literally shouting “bang, bang” towards an imaginary enemy soldier.
Perhaps the most realistic drill they’ll ever experience, is the demonstration conducted in front of an audience at the annual base festivals.
JASDF soldier with Type 64 rifle (photo: US Air Force)
Now, if we move on to the subject of heavier equipment, JASDF security units will be issued with light-armored vehicles, specifically the Komatsu LAV which is widely used among JGSDF infantry units.
But, small bases are often stuck with non-armored vehicles, such as the Mitsubishi Pajero or Toyota Land Cruiser, which obviously provides no protection against enemy rounds.
Since base security primarily focuses on guerrilla warfare and anti-commando operations, it is understandable that tanks and artillery are absent. However, they should be equipped with proper rifles, personnel gear, and armored vehicles at the very least.
Airbases and radar facilities are prime targets during wartime, and might face airborne assaults as mentioned earlier. Even without large-scale airborne drops, the possibility of raids by enemy special forces still remain at large.
In face of such situations, it is highly dubious whether JASDF security units can defend the facilities, at least in their current configuration. It is even skeptical whether they can buy enough time for JGSDF reinforcements to arrive.
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