Until now, the ministry has focused on reinforcing defenses in the southwestern region. However, it also aims to bolster its capabilities on the Pacific side, which has been regarded as a ‘surveillance gap.’
The sources said that the ministry is currently working to start studies in the new fiscal year aimed at strengthening the port facilities and runway on the small remote island, also known as Iwojima, in Tokyo’s Ogasawara village.
In addition to reinforcing its surveillance and monitoring framework, the ministry is also considering installing a non-fixed pier that would allow large vessels to dock.
To enable a swift response to the arrival of Chinese military aircraft and other fighter jets, one option under consideration is permanently stationing Self-Defense Forces fighter jets on the island.