Anticipating Global Cyber Threats, Japan Launches New Cyber Defense Unit

Illustration of the flag of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. (Wikimedia Commons/Petty Officer 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

JAKARTA - Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) last Thursday launched a new cyber-defense unit, reorganized to enhance the country's response to cyber attacks, a security domain that has played an increasingly important role in global conflicts.

The unit, which will consist of approximately 540 personnel, is tasked with training human resources, supporting practical training, and managing information and communication networks.

The Japanese government sees the fields of outer space, cyberspace and the electromagnetic spectrum as the main pillars in the military balance between countries and in enhancing Japan's defense capabilities.

The establishment of a new cyber unit at the Ministry of Defense headquarters in Tokyo, reflects the urgent need to enhance the SDF's cyber capabilities.

"The threat of cyber attacks has increased and is becoming more sophisticated by the day," Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said at a ceremony to mark the unit's launch, Kyodo News reported March 17.

"As we face the urgent task of responding appropriately, the reorganization of the defense units is a major step forward," continued Nobuo Kishi.

At the inauguration ceremony, Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi handed over the flag to the commander of the new unit, Major General Kimura Akitsugu of the Ground Self-Defense Force, reported NHK.

He said the start of the expanded cyber-defense unit was a big step forward in securing Japan's advantage in cyberspace, as the national security environment became increasingly severe.

To note, this new unit incorporates cyber departments that have been dispersed among Ground, Maritime and Air self-defense forces and will focus on cyber countermeasures.