Japanese Self-Defense Forces in training@ Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
[Tokyo, Japan/Newsimpact=Jung Hyun Lee] On the 14th of June, a tragic incident occurred at a shooting range in Kitashin, Hokkaido, where an 18-year-old Japanese Self-Defense Force candidate shot and killed three self-defense personnel, injuring one, during a shooting exercise.
Despite Japanese citizens developing some degree of immunity to various incidents involving the self-defense forces and its members, this intentional shooting incident resulting in casualties left a significant impact. It also reignited the controversy surrounding the supply of body armor within the self-defense forces.
Currently, there are four different types of body armor in use within the Japanese Self-Defense Forces: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and an improved version of Type 3. However, the presence of multiple types of body armor is due to the insufficient distribution of the newer models.
Type 1 provides limited protection against shrapnel and pistol bullets, while Type 2, in addition to the aforementioned features, includes bullet-resistant plates capable of stopping rifle rounds. However, even the relatively outdated Type 2 is still in use due to budget constraints, resulting in units employing the same level of protection as Type 1.
Although guidelines have been changed after this shooting incident, mandating all personnel to wear body armor during shooting exercises, the lack of Type 1 body armor or bullet-resistant plates in Type 2 armor renders this measure insufficient to prevent similar accidents.
Moreover, both Type 1 and Type 2 body armor are considered impractical in actual combat situations. Their heavy weight, which can reach 15 kilograms, is problematic considering their limited ballistic protection. Additionally, the design flaws in Type 2 armor make movements unnatural during vehicle operation and shooting exercises. The lack of proper ventilation is also a major concern, particularly in Japan's hot and humid climate, where temperatures often exceed 30 degrees Celsius, further burdening soldiers who already face significant physical exertion as infantry troops.
Therefore, there is an urgent need to distribute the improved Type 3 and its upgraded version to address the shortage of body armor. However, it drew public criticism when it was revealed that Japan had provided approximately 1,900 sets of the upgraded Type 3 body armor to Ukraine, currently engaged in a war with Russia, since its introduction in 2015.
The upgraded Type 3, equipped with detachable plates for the abdomen, shoulders, and groin, represents the latest advancements. The fact that Japan supplied these to other countries before adequately equipping its own self-defense personnel sparked controversy and condemnation among the Japanese population.
There is also growing scrutiny regarding the performance ofdomestically produced body armor. For instance, during a ballistic test conducted before Japan's deployment to Iraq in the past, the body armor was found to be vulnerable to rifle rounds, leading to demands for explanations from the manufacturer. However, the manufacturer responded defensively, questioning why the test was conducted with rifles. This incident continues to be discussed among officials even to this day.
Amid escalating tensions with China and Russia, where nerve-wracking standoffs persist, the survival rates of self-defense personnel wearing inadequate body armor are undeniably compromised. However, during the regular press conference held by the Ministry of Defense on June 20th, questions regarding this issue were ignored, while inadvertently revealing vulnerabilities of the self-defense forces to neighboring countries.
/Jung Hyun Lee is Newsimpact correspondent in Japan
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