According to Japanese sources, under the pretext of the so-called island defense, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) carried out large-scale organizational adjustments on March 23, 2026, including major restructuring of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), expansion of space units, and the establishment of intelligence units.

What intentions lie behind the large-scale restructuring of Japan's Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces? Japan claims that its adjustments are aimed at the so-called island defense, but what calculations lie behind this move?

The military expert Wei Dongxu said that the ongoing force restructuring of the JSDF is fundamentally aimed at strengthening its offensive capabilities and mobility in military operations, including joint operations of the Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces.

First, the amphibious forces of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) will be further expanded, with increases in both personnel and operational equipment, and more joint training will be conducted with the US Marine Corps. Second, the JGSDF will be equipped with more advanced and longer-range missiles, in an attempt to acquire preemptive strike capabilities. Such force adjustments are aimed at enhancing island-seizure capabilities, using long-range weapon platforms to impose blockades on surrounding straits and to threaten and deter nearby large islands.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) will build multiple large-scale combined fleets, consolidating various types of forces into unified formations. In addition, naval mine clearance and transport units will be integrated to provide more effective and comprehensive support for Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade in carrying out island-seizure operations.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) will be upgraded into the Air and Space Self-Defense Force. In the future, some of Japan's space technologies will be deeply integrated with its air and space operation system. Japan will not only deploy more reconnaissance satellites in orbit to collect intelligence and provide target guiding for its offensive forces, but it also does not rule out the possibility that its Air and Space Self-Defense Force may follow the example of the US Space Force in seeking space combat capabilities.

From this series of moves, it can be seen that Japan's military ambitions are continuously expanding, and alongside this expansion, its force restructuring is taking on increasingly offensive characteristics.

Wei believes that Japan's military activities are becoming more overt and increasingly dangerous. The continuous integration of military forces, the strengthening of long-range strike capabilities and even the pursuit of preemptive strike options indicate that the JSDF are moving closer to the brink of conflict. They have even shown a posture of possible military intervention in sensitive regional issues. Japan is making more frequent moves that break through the "exclusively defense-oriented" principle and the constraints of its pacifist Constitution. Its growing military ambitions are exerting a greater negative impact on regional peace and stability.

(From CCTV News)

Editor's note: Originally published on huanqiu.com, this article is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information and opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn.