On April 6, 2025, Japan officially launched its first maritime transport group to defend the Nansei Islands. This new unit is part of a larger strategy to strengthen Japan’s defense capabilities, especially in response to growing security concerns in the East China Sea and Taiwan. The unit will handle the vital task of transporting personnel and equipment to the remote Nansei islands.
The formation of this maritime transport group marks a historic step for the Self-Defense Forces (SDF). During a ceremony at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (MSDF) Kure Base, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani highlighted the importance of this new unit. “This unit, established through the combined efforts of the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) and the MSDF, is a crucial first step,” Nakatani said.
The primary goal of the maritime transport group is to enhance Japan’s ability to respond quickly to growing military pressure in the region, especially from China. The SDF’s defense of the Nansei Islands, which include Okinawa Prefecture, has become a top priority. The islands’ strategic location makes them critical in Japan’s defense strategy, particularly in light of China’s increasing maritime activities.
The maritime transport group is tasked with transporting SDF personnel, weapons, and other essential supplies from Japan’s main island, Honshu, to the Nansei chain. This logistical effort is crucial given the wide distances between the islands and their vulnerability to potential threats. Establishing a more efficient transport system will allow Japan to bolster its defenses more effectively and quickly.
The unit was formally established on March 24, 2025, coinciding with the formation of the Joint Operations Command in Tokyo. This new command structure aims to unify the operations of all three branches of the SDF—Army, Navy, and Air Force. Nakatani emphasized that this development signals the beginning of a new era for the SDF’s operational capabilities.
Initially, the maritime transport group will operate with approximately 100 members. It will use one midsize and one small transport ship. However, by 2027, the group plans to expand its fleet to 10 ships. The group will report directly to Nakatani, and its command center will be based at the Kure Base, with additional support from an MSDF base in Hyogo Prefecture.
The unit’s operations are part of Japan’s broader shift to focus more on the defense of the Nansei Islands. The area’s strategic significance has become increasingly apparent, especially as China continues to expand its military presence in the region. In response, the SDF has invested heavily in improving its logistical capabilities to ensure that it can quickly respond to any security threats.
One of the significant challenges Japan faces is the logistical difficulty of transporting troops and equipment to such remote locations. In the event of military tensions involving Taiwan, Japan may need to conduct multiple trips between Honshu and the Nansei Islands. A source from the Defense Ministry explained that, under current conditions, it could take months to complete such an operation. This delay could potentially leave Japan vulnerable in the early stages of a conflict.
To address this issue, the maritime transport group aims to complete 20 round trips between the mainland and the islands in real time. The group’s swift transportation capability will be essential in maintaining Japan’s defense posture in the event of a military escalation.
Col. Kosei Baba of the GSDF will serve as the first commander of the maritime transport group. About 90 percent of the unit’s members will be drawn from the GSDF, with the group mainly tasked with transporting other GSDF members and equipment. One of the secondary objectives of the unit is to assist with the MSDF’s personnel shortage, which has been a long-standing issue.
However, there are concerns about the operational effectiveness of the group, given that the GSDF typically does not operate ships. These concerns may complicate the group’s ability to perform its duties smoothly. Training and coordination will be essential to ensuring the group’s success.
In addition to enhancing defense capabilities, the Kure city government hopes that the SDF’s expansion will help develop a former plant site previously used by Nippon Steel Corp. The Defense Ministry has plans to establish a multifunctional defense base on this site, which spans approximately 130 hectares. The acquisition of this land will further strengthen Japan’s defense infrastructure in the region.
The creation of the maritime transport group is part of Japan’s broader strategy to improve its military readiness in the face of growing regional challenges. With China’s increasing presence in the East China Sea and Taiwan, Japan is taking proactive steps to ensure it can defend its territorial waters and the Nansei Islands.
As Japan continues to enhance its defense capabilities, the maritime transport group will play a crucial role in strengthening its logistical infrastructure. This new unit represents a significant step forward in Japan’s efforts to adapt to the changing security landscape in East Asia.
