Japan Upgrades Airports and Seaports for Military Use
The Japanese government plans to upgrade five civilian airports and 11 seaports for use by the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) to strengthen the nation's defense capabilities. These facilities, designated as "specified use airports and seaports" on April 1st, are located in seven prefectures across Japan.
The central government has secured consent from local governments for the upgrades. For the current fiscal year, 37 billion yen ($244 million) has been allocated to extend runways and improve berths to accommodate SDF and JCG aircraft and vessels.
During ordinary times, the SDF and JCG are expected to use these facilities for training, transportation of goods, evacuation of people, and disaster responses.
Kita-Kyushu
Nagasaki and Fukue in Nagasaki Prefecture
Miyazaki
Naha
Muroran, Tomakomai, Kushiro, Rumoi, and Ishikari-wan Shinko in Hokkaido
Takamatsu
Kochi, Susaki, and Sukumo-wan in Kochi Prefecture
Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture
Ishigaki in Okinawa Prefecture
This plan to develop public infrastructure facilities for defense purposes was outlined in the National Security Strategy of Japan, established in 2022. Initially, 38 airports and seaports were on the list of candidate sites. The government has held discussions with local governments over the designations.
However, some local governments expressed concerns that designated facilities may become targets for military attacks in emergencies. The government plans to continue discussions with the remaining local governments to designate more facilities.
The government prioritized facilities in the southwestern Nansei Islands, including Okinawa Prefecture, due to growing concerns over a potential military conflict in the nearby Taiwan Strait.
Ishigaki Mayor Yoshitaka Nakayama welcomed the designation of Ishigaki Port, stating that it will enhance deterrence and lead to rapid responses to disasters.
While Naha Airport, administered by the central government, was designated, New Ishigaki Airport and Yonaguni Airport, both on the government's candidate list, were not. These airports are administered by the prefectural government.
No facility was designated in Kagoshima Prefecture, where discussions with the central government were ongoing.
At a news conference, Kagawa Governor Toyohito Ikeda emphasized that Takamatsu Port will continue to be used primarily for civilian use even after the designation.
Akihiro Sado, a national security expert, expressed concerns that the government is proceeding with the project without adequate explanation to local governments and residents. He emphasized the need to consider how to protect and evacuate people in the event of an emergency.