The Japan Special Forces Group (特殊作戦群, Tokushusakusengun), or SFGp, represents a critical and rapidly evolving component of Japan’s national security architecture. Established on March 27, 2004, the unit’s creation marked a significant departure from Japan’s post-war defense posture, which had been strictly limited by its constitution. Born from the necessity to address modern asymmetric threats like international terrorism and guerrilla warfare, the SFGp was developed through a deliberate “leapfrog” strategy, leveraging intensive mentorship from elite U.S. Special Operations Forces to rapidly achieve a high level of proficiency. In the two decades since its inception, the unit has matured from a nascent, domestically-focused counter-terrorism force into a seasoned, operationally-tested Tier 1 asset. Through deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Sudan, and continuous, complex joint exercises with key allies like the United States and Australia, the SFGp has honed its tactics and proven its strategic utility. Its current arsenal reflects a preference for world-class, battle-proven weapon systems that ensure interoperability with its primary partners. Looking forward, as Japan implements its transformative 2022 National Security Strategy and assumes a more proactive role in regional security, the SFGp is poised to become an even more vital instrument of national policy. Its future missions will likely expand to include enabling Japan’s new counterstrike capabilities, countering grey-zone aggression, and deepening security partnerships throughout the increasingly contested Indo-Pacific.

Section 1: Genesis and Doctrinal Foundation (1998-2008)

The formation of the Special Forces Group was a deliberate and calculated response to a changing global security landscape that rendered Japan’s traditional defense posture insufficient. Its establishment required navigating unique constitutional constraints and relied heavily on foundational mentorship from experienced foreign partners, setting the stage for its rapid development into a capable special operations force.

1.1. Post-Cold War Imperatives: The Strategic Need for a Japanese Special Operations Force

The security framework of post-World War II Japan was fundamentally defined by Article 9 of its 1947 Constitution, which renounced war as a sovereign right and prohibited the maintenance of land, sea, or air forces.¹ The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), established in 1954, were consequently cast in a strictly defensive role, designed to repel a direct invasion of Japanese territory.³ While this model was adequate during the bipolar standoff of the Cold War, the subsequent era introduced a new spectrum of asymmetric threats, including transnational terrorism and state-sponsored guerrilla warfare, for which conventional military forces were ill-equipped to counter.⁵

This capability gap became increasingly apparent throughout the 1990s. In response, the Japan Defense Agency (JDA), the precursor to the Ministry of Defense, formally proposed in 1998 the creation of a specialized unit within the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) to handle counter-terrorism and related special warfare missions.⁶ This was a significant evolution in Japanese defense policy, acknowledging that the existing police-led Special Assault Teams (SAT), whose existence was officially confirmed in 1996, were insufficient to counter military-level threats on Japanese soil.⁸

1.2. Foundational Mentorship: The Critical Role of U.S. SOF in Shaping Doctrine and Structure

Recognizing a near-total lack of domestic experience in modern special operations doctrine and tactics, the JGSDF embarked on a strategy of importing expertise from the world’s most seasoned practitioners. A select cadre of soldiers, drawn primarily from the JGSDF’s elite 1st Airborne Brigade, was dispatched to the United States for intensive training.⁶ This was not an incremental evolution of existing capabilities but a deliberate “leapfrog” development model, designed to bypass decades of organic doctrinal development and create a peer-level SOF unit in a compressed timeframe.

The choice of mentors was highly strategic. Initial training was conducted with the U.S. Army’s 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Delta Force), signaling a clear intent to build a high-end direct action and hostage rescue capability from the unit’s inception.⁶ This was supplemented by extensive and ongoing training with the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets), which shaped the unit’s broader understanding of unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, and foreign internal defense.⁷ The unit’s first commander, Colonel Takashi Araya, personally underwent a year of training with the Green Berets to fully immerse himself in these modern concepts.⁷

This foundational knowledge was institutionalized through two precursor platoons formed within the 1st Airborne Brigade: the “G Platoon” (Formation Unit) and the “S Platoon” (Research Unit).⁶ These elements were tasked with adapting the lessons learned in the U.S. to the Japanese context and developing the new unit’s framework. The U.S. involvement was deeply integrated; bilingual personnel from the U.S. Army’s 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) (1st SFG(A)), forward-deployed in Okinawa, were instrumental in helping the JGSDF establish its initial Table of Organization and Equipment (TO&E), ensuring doctrinal and material compatibility from day one.¹⁰

1.3. Activation of the Special Operations Group (SOG): Initial Mandate, Organization, and Armament

On March 27, 2004, the unit was officially activated as the Special Operations Group (SOG) (特殊作戦群, Tokushusakusengun), under the direct command of the JDA chief.⁹ Its initial mandate was primarily focused on domestic contingencies: countering terrorist activities and deterring or defeating guerrilla-style attacks on Japanese soil.⁹ The unit is headquartered at Camp Narashino in Funabashi, Chiba, a strategic co-location with the 1st Airborne Brigade, which serves as its primary recruitment pool for ranger and airborne-qualified soldiers.¹

The initial structure was modeled on Western counterparts, comprising a headquarters element, three combat companies, and a training unit, with an estimated total strength of approximately 300 operators.¹ To ensure mission flexibility across diverse environments, each company was organized with specialized platoons proficient in different insertion methods and operational environments, including High Altitude-Low Opening (HALO) parachuting, maritime operations, mountain warfare, and urban combat.⁷ Initial small arms were a combination of standard JGSDF issue, such as the Howa Type 89 rifle, and foreign-procured weapons that reflected the influence of their U.S. mentors.¹⁰

1.4. Early Integration and Re-designation to Special Forces Group (SFGp)

The unit’s strategic importance was further solidified on March 28, 2007, when it was integrated into the newly established Central Readiness Force (CRF). The CRF was a high-readiness command designed to centrally manage the JGSDF’s specialized units to respond to a wide range of domestic and international crises, including disaster relief and overseas deployments.¹ This organizational change formally embedded the SOG as a key national crisis response asset.

A year later, on March 26, 2008, the unit’s English designation was officially changed from Special Operations Group to Special Forces Group (SFGp).⁶ This seemingly subtle change in nomenclature was strategically significant. While “Special Operations” is a term often associated with the direct-action missions of counter-terrorism, “Special Forces” carries the broader doctrinal connotations of its primary U.S. partner, the Green Berets, encompassing missions like unconventional warfare and security force assistance. The name change signaled an official expansion of the unit’s mission set, moving beyond a purely reactive, domestic counter-terrorist role toward that of a more versatile force capable of supporting Japan’s evolving “proactive contribution to peace” policy on the international stage.

Section 2: Operational Maturation and Tactical Evolution (2008-Present)

Since its initial establishment, the SFGp has transitioned from a newly-formed unit into a seasoned, operationally-tested force. This maturation has been driven by a combination of real-world deployments under challenging conditions and a relentless pace of intensive, continuous joint training with allied special operations forces. These experiences have been the primary catalysts for shaping the unit’s tactics, procedures, and strategic utility to the Japanese state.

2.1. Evolving Mission Profile: From Domestic Contingency to Overseas Deployment

The SFGp’s core mission set is officially defined as direct action, special reconnaissance, and unconventional warfare, encompassing tasks such as infiltration into hostile territory, sabotage, hostage rescue, and combating guerrilla or enemy commando forces.¹⁰ While its initial focus was on domestic threats, the unit’s operational mandate quickly expanded to include overseas missions, primarily centered on the protection and evacuation of Japanese nationals and assets abroad.¹ These deployments are carefully conducted within the constraints of Japan’s constitution, typically limiting them to roles designated as non-combat.⁷

Domestically, the SFGp sits at the apex of Japan’s national counter-terrorism response framework. Its first publicly acknowledged domestic operation was providing high-level security and a crisis response capability during the 42nd G7 Summit in Mie Prefecture in 2016. The unit was placed on standby to support and augment police tactical units like the SAT in the event of a major terrorist attack, demonstrating its role as the nation’s ultimate backstop for complex security threats.⁷

2.2. Analysis of Key Operations: A Catalyst for Capability Growth

Though officially non-combatant, the SFGp’s overseas deployments have served as invaluable proving grounds, testing the unit’s full operational cycle under the extreme stress of real-world crises. These missions provide the hard data and experience necessary to validate and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), forging a far more effective force than one that has only ever trained.

• Iraq (2005): The unit’s baptism by fire occurred just a year after its formation. A small detachment of at least four operators deployed to Samawah, Iraq, to provide low-profile close protection for the commander of the JGSDF’s humanitarian contingent, the Japanese Iraq Reconstruction and Support Group.⁷ Operating in a persistent, low-intensity conflict zone, this mission tested advanced skills in surveillance detection, secure movement, and emergency response, providing critical lessons in operational security and sustainment in a hostile environment.
• Afghanistan (2021): During the chaotic collapse of the Afghan government and the subsequent evacuation from Kabul, SFGp personnel were deployed as part of the JSDF task force for the “Evacuation of Japanese Nationals and Others from Afghanistan”.¹⁰ The mission was severely hampered by the rapidly deteriorating security situation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, limiting the number of evacuees.¹⁵ However, it served as a critical test of the SFGp’s strategic reach, rapid deployment capabilities, and ability to execute a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) in a high-threat, non-permissive environment.
• Sudan (2023): SFGp operators were again tasked with a NEO mission, deploying to Djibouti to support the evacuation of Japanese citizens from the escalating conflict in Sudan.¹⁰ This deployment further cemented the unit’s role as Japan’s premier tool for complex overseas rescue and evacuation missions, demonstrating a maturing capability to project a specialized force globally on short notice.

2.3. Forging Interoperability: The Doctrinal Impact of Joint Exercises

Continuous, high-level joint training with allied SOF remains the primary engine for the SFGp’s tactical and doctrinal advancement. This consistent engagement ensures the unit remains at the cutting edge of SOF TTPs and maintains seamless interoperability with its key partners.

• Silent Eagle: This is the cornerstone training event for the SFGp, a recurring bilateral exercise held with the U.S. Army’s 1st SFG(A).¹ These exercises are highly sophisticated, often simulating complex scenarios directly relevant to Japan’s primary security concerns, such as repelling an amphibious invasion of a disputed island.¹ The training curriculum is comprehensive, covering the full spectrum of special operations skills, including military free-fall (MFF) parachuting, advanced marksmanship, and close-quarters battle (CQB).¹
• Partnership Diversification: Beyond its foundational relationship with U.S. SOF, the SFGp has actively pursued a strategy of partnership diversification. This is not merely for tactical benefit but represents a strategic hedge, creating a more resilient and flexible regional security network. The deepening training relationship with Australian SOF is the prime example. This partnership has evolved from basic counter-terrorism skill-sharing in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics to “much more complex training activities” in direct response to regional instability caused by China and North Korea.¹⁶ Exercises like “Dusk Samurai 2022,” a joint counter-terrorism drill with the Australian Army’s 2nd Commando Regiment, build deep interoperability and create a potent U.S.-Japan-Australia trilateral SOF network.¹⁰
• Global Engagement: The unit’s commitment to learning and interoperability extends globally. SFGp operators have been observed at multinational exercises such as Operation Flintlock in Africa and have attended the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) in the U.S., ensuring they remain abreast of the latest global SOF trends and technologies.⁷

2.4. Command and Control Integration

In a significant organizational restructuring in March 2018, the Central Readiness Force was disbanded. The SFGp, along with other high-readiness units, was placed under the command of the newly established Ground Component Command (Rikujō Sōtai).⁷ This move streamlined the command and control structure for all JGSDF ground operations, better integrating the SFGp into Japan’s overall defense architecture and facilitating more effective joint operations.

Section 3: Current Arsenal: A Technical Analysis of SFGp Small Arms

The selection of small arms by the Special Forces Group reflects a clear doctrine prioritizing performance, modularity, and interoperability with key allied special operations forces. The unit’s arsenal is dominated by proven, high-performance systems of foreign design, indicating a procurement philosophy that values battlefield effectiveness over domestic production for its most critical tools. This technical analysis details the primary weapon systems confirmed to be in service with the SFGp.

3.1. Primary Carbines: The Shift to Piston-Driven Systems

The SFGp has largely standardized on short-stroke gas piston carbines, which offer significant reliability advantages over traditional direct impingement systems, particularly when suppressed or used in harsh maritime environments.

• Heckler & Koch HK416: Procured by the Ministry of Defense as “Special Rifle B,” the HK416 is a primary weapon for the SFGp.¹⁰ Its piston operating system prevents hot propellant gases from entering the receiver, which keeps the action cleaner and cooler, significantly reducing malfunctions and maintenance requirements.¹⁸ The weapon features a free-floating, cold hammer-forged barrel with an extended service life, and a cyclic rate of fire of approximately 850 rounds per minute.²⁰ SFGp operators have been observed using variants with both 10.4-inch and 14.5-inch barrels, outfitted with a full suite of modern accessories.¹⁰
• FN SCAR Family (L & H): Developed for U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), the modular FN SCAR family is also in service with the SFGp.⁷ Its key features include a short-stroke gas piston system, a monolithic upper receiver, and the ability for operators to quickly change barrels to suit mission requirements.²⁴ The 5.56x45mm NATO SCAR-L provides a lightweight, adaptable platform, while the 7.62x51mm NATO SCAR-H offers substantially increased range and barrier penetration capability.²³
• Colt M4A1: While piston-driven systems are favored, the JGSDF acquired M4A1 carbines via Foreign Military Sales (FMS) in 2007-2008.¹⁰ These likely serve in training roles and ensure baseline interoperability with U.S. forces, who widely field the platform.⁷

3.2. Battle Rifles and Designated Marksman Systems

For engagements requiring greater range and terminal effect than 5.56mm platforms can provide, the SFGp employs 7.62x51mm NATO battle rifles.

• Heckler & Koch HK417: This rifle is essentially a scaled-up version of the HK416, sharing its reliable short-stroke gas piston operating system and ergonomic controls.²⁶ This commonality simplifies training and logistics. The HK417 is a versatile weapon, capable of providing a high volume of suppressive fire in its battle rifle configuration or engaging targets with high precision out to 800 meters when employed as a Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) with a longer, accurized barrel and magnified optics.²⁷

3.3. Sidearms and Sub-Machine Guns

Sidearms and specialized close-quarters weapons are selected for reliability, accuracy, and specific mission profiles.

• SIG Sauer P226: A legendary service pistol renowned for its exceptional reliability and accuracy, the P226 is a primary sidearm for the SFGp.¹⁰ Used by numerous elite units, including the U.S. Navy SEALs, this 9x19mm DA/SA pistol features a durable alloy frame and a standard magazine capacity of 15 to 20 rounds.²⁹
• Heckler & Koch USP Tactical: The selection of this pistol indicates a requirement for a highly accurate, suppressor-ready sidearm.¹⁰ The USP Tactical features an extended, threaded barrel with a rubber O-ring for consistent lockup, adjustable high-profile sights to clear a suppressor, and an adjustable match trigger.³²
• Heckler & Koch MP7: A compact Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) that bridges the gap between a sub-machine gun and a carbine. It fires a proprietary high-velocity, small-caliber 4.6x30mm round capable of defeating soft body armor.⁷ Its light weight and compact size make it an ideal weapon for close protection details, vehicle operations, and extreme close-quarters battle.

3.4. Sniper Systems

For precision long-range engagements, the SFGp relies on a proven, military-grade bolt-action rifle.

• Remington M24 Sniper Weapon System (SWS): The standard sniper rifle of the U.S. Army for decades, the M24 is built on the robust and accurate Remington 700 long action.³⁴ Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, it features a 24-inch, heavy, free-floating barrel with specialized 5R rifling that enhances accuracy and reduces fouling.³⁶ The system is capable of consistent sub-minute-of-angle (MOA) accuracy and is effective against man-sized targets out to 800 meters and beyond.³⁶

3.5. Support Weapons

To provide sustained suppressive fire at the team level, the SFGp utilizes a light machine gun that is standard issue across the JGSDF.

• FN MINIMI: Known in U.S. service as the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), the 5.56x45mm MINIMI is a reliable, air-cooled, gas-operated light machine gun.¹⁰ It is typically fed by disintegrating-link belts but has the capability to accept standard STANAG rifle magazines in an emergency, providing crucial logistical flexibility.³⁸ With a cyclic rate of 750-1,000 rounds per minute, it allows a small team to gain and maintain fire superiority.

3.6. Ancillary Systems

The effectiveness of these weapon platforms is magnified by the integration of modern ancillary systems. The SFGp is confirmed to use a wide array of attachments, including M203 40mm grenade launchers, Knight’s Armament QDSS-NT4 suppressors, and advanced electro-optics such as the GPNVG-18 quad-tube night vision goggle, ensuring the unit has technological parity with other world-class special operations forces.¹⁰

Table 3.1: Summary of Current SFGp Small Arms

Weapon System	Type	Caliber	Operation	Weight (Unloaded)	Rate of Fire (Cyclic)	Effective Range	Sources
H&K HK416	Assault Rifle / Carbine	5.56×45mm NATO	Short-Stroke Gas Piston	3.12 kg (6.88 lb) (10.4″ bbl)	~850 rpm	300−600 m	10
FN SCAR-L	Assault Rifle / Carbine	5.56×45mm NATO	Short-Stroke Gas Piston	3.29 kg (7.3 lb)	550−650 rpm	~500 m	10
FN SCAR-H	Battle Rifle	7.62×51mm NATO	Short-Stroke Gas Piston	3.58 kg (7.9 lb)	550−650 rpm	~600 m	10
H&K HK417	Battle Rifle / DMR	7.62×51mm NATO	Short-Stroke Gas Piston	4.40 kg (9.7 lb) (16.5″ bbl)	~600 rpm	~800 m	10
Remington M24 SWS	Sniper Rifle	7.62×51mm NATO	Bolt-Action	5.4 kg (12.1 lb)	N/A	800−1,000 m	10
FN MINIMI (M249)	Light Machine Gun	5.56×45mm NATO	Gas-Operated, Open Bolt	7.5 kg (16.5 lb)	750−1,000 rpm	600−800 m (Area)	10
H&K MP7	Personal Defense Weapon	HK 4.6×30mm	Short-Stroke Gas Piston	1.9 kg (4.2 lb)	~950 rpm	~200 m	7
SIG Sauer P226	Sidearm	9×19mm Parabellum	Short Recoil, DA/SA	964 g (34.0 oz)	N/A	~50 m	10
H&K USP Tactical	Sidearm	9mm /.45 ACP	Short Recoil, DA/SA	748 g (26.4 oz) (9mm)	N/A	~50 m	10

Section 4: The Future of the SFGp in a New Era of Japanese Defense

The future trajectory of the Special Forces Group is inextricably linked to the profound shifts occurring in Japan’s national defense policy. As Tokyo moves toward a more proactive security posture to address an increasingly severe regional environment, the SFGp’s role, missions, and capabilities are set to expand significantly, cementing its position as a critical tool of Japanese statecraft.

4.1. The Influence of Japan’s National Security Strategy on Special Operations

The trio of strategic documents released in December 2022—the National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Plan—collectively represent the most significant evolution in Japan’s defense policy since the end of World War II.⁴¹ These documents officially pivot Japan from a passive, “exclusively defense-oriented” posture to a proactive one designed to deter and respond to specific threats, with a clear focus on the challenges posed by China, North Korea, and Russia.⁴²

Key tenets of this new strategy include the acquisition of long-range “counterstrike capabilities” and a major emphasis on strengthening cross-domain operations that integrate space, cyber, and electromagnetic warfare with traditional domains.⁴⁵ This strategic reorientation will inevitably broaden the scope of missions assigned to the SFGp, as it is the JSDF’s most suitable asset for the kind of high-risk, low-visibility, and asymmetric tasks that this new doctrine requires.

4.2. Projected Mission Sets: Counterstrike, Grey-Zone, and Regional Security

As Japan’s defense policy evolves, the SFGp’s mission set is expected to expand into new and more complex areas.

• Counterstrike Enablement: Japan’s investment in stand-off munitions like Tomahawk cruise missiles and domestically developed hypersonic glide vehicles is a strategic game-changer.⁴⁶ However, the effectiveness of these “hammers” depends entirely on the “scalpel” that can provide accurate, real-time targeting data in a contested environment. The SFGp is the only JSDF asset capable of covertly infiltrating hostile territory to conduct special reconnaissance, terminal guidance for precision munitions, or pre-strike direct action against enemy air defenses and command-and-control infrastructure. Their role will be less about independent action and more about being the critical enabling node in a larger, cross-domain kill chain.
• Grey-Zone Warfare: The SFGp is the ideal instrument to counter “grey-zone” aggression—coercive actions by state and non-state actors that fall below the threshold of conventional warfare.⁷ This includes scenarios like the infiltration of Japan’s remote southwestern islands by hostile “maritime militias” or unidentified special forces. The unit’s extensive training in counter-guerrilla warfare and island defense, honed during exercises like Silent Eagle, makes it the primary response option for such ambiguous threats.¹
• Expanded Regional Security Cooperation: As Japan deepens its security partnerships throughout the Indo-Pacific with nations like Australia, India, the Philippines, and others, the SFGp will likely assume a greater role in security force assistance.³ This could involve training and advising partner-nation special forces, conducting joint exercises to build regional capacity, and enhancing interoperability among a coalition of like-minded nations. This mission mirrors the traditional role of U.S. Special Forces and would position the SFGp as a key contributor to regional stability.
• Information and Psychological Warfare: In a notable public statement, a former SFGp commander highlighted the need for SOF to engage in non-kinetic warfare, including psychological operations and counter-intelligence, to “deliver a message to opponents” and create doubt in an adversary’s mind.¹⁶ This indicates a doctrinal shift toward leveraging the SFGp’s unique skills in the cognitive domain of modern conflict.

4.3. Anticipated Armament Modernization

To meet the demands of these future missions, the SFGp will continue to be a priority recipient of advanced equipment.

• Howa Type 20 Assault Rifle: The JGSDF’s new standard-issue rifle, the Howa Type 20, is a modern, domestically produced platform featuring a short-stroke gas piston system, excellent ergonomics, M-LOK rails for modularity, and enhanced environmental resistance.⁴⁹ While the SFGp currently uses premier foreign rifles, it will likely adopt the Type 20. This adoption serves a dual purpose: it provides a modern rifle while also allowing the SFGp to function as an operational testbed. By subjecting the Type 20 to the extreme demands of special operations, any weaknesses in the design can be rapidly identified and fed back to the manufacturer, ultimately improving the weapon for the entire JGSDF.¹⁰
• Next-Generation Systems: With Japan’s defense budget slated to approach 2% of GDP, significant funds will be available for advanced technology.⁴³ The SFGp will be a prime candidate to field next-generation systems, including sophisticated unmanned aerial and ground systems for reconnaissance and strike, advanced networked soldier systems, and cutting-edge optics and sensors that provide a decisive information advantage on the battlefield.⁵²

4.4. The SFGp’s Role within a Restructured JSDF

The planned establishment of a permanent joint headquarters (PJHQ) by March 2025 is a critical reform designed to unify command of the JGSDF, JMSDF, and JASDF, enabling seamless cross-domain operations.⁴¹ The SFGp, as an inherently joint-enabling asset, will be a cornerstone of this new structure. The PJHQ will provide a streamlined, centralized command-and-control mechanism for deploying the SFGp in complex, multi-service operations. Furthermore, the PJHQ commander will serve as the direct counterpart to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command commander, which will dramatically enhance the speed and effectiveness of bilateral SOF coordination in a crisis.⁴¹

Conclusion

In the two decades since its founding, the Japan Special Forces Group has undergone a remarkable transformation. It has evolved from a conceptual necessity, born in response to the post-Cold War threat environment, into a mature, highly capable, and strategically vital special operations force. This evolution was not accidental but the result of a deliberate strategy of intensive foreign mentorship, rigorous training, and validation through real-world operational deployments. The unit’s current capabilities and world-class arsenal place it among the premier special operations forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

The SFGp’s journey is a direct reflection of Japan’s own transformation on the world stage. As Japan sheds the last vestiges of its post-war passivity and embraces its role as a proactive contributor to regional and global security, the SFGp stands as the most potent and flexible military instrument to advance these new strategic objectives. From countering grey-zone coercion in the East China Sea to enabling long-range counterstrike capabilities and building the capacity of regional partners, the SFGp will be at the forefront of Japan’s efforts to defend its interests and uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific. It is, and will continue to be, the tip of this new Japanese spear.

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