The Japanese government met with residents of a remote island in Okinawa Prefecture on Tuesday to discuss its plan to deploy an Air Self-Defense Force mobile surveillance radar system.
The Defense Ministry held a meeting for residents of Kita-Daitojima Island. Ministry officials revealed that construction work is scheduled to begin in fiscal 2025, which starts in April next year.
Kita-Daitojima Village Mayor Onizuka Mitsunori indicated that the village will continue discussions with the government with a view to accepting the deployment.
The project is part of Japan’s plan to strengthen surveillance against potential incursions by foreign aircraft into its airspace over remote islands on the country’s Pacific side.
The government has been conducting environment surveys and measurements on Kita-Daitojima Island for the deployment.
Defense Ministry officials explained that the government will acquire about 11 hectares of village-owned land on the north and south sides of the island.
They said facilities including a government building, a gymnasium and an ammunition depot will be constructed, and about 30 SDF personnel will be stationed on the island.
The officials added that drilling surveys and other preparations will be carried out.
About 80 local residents took part in Tuesday’s meeting. It was the government’s second briefing for residents on the plan. The first one was held in July 2023.
Several residents asked about auxiliary projects related to the deployment of the radar system. Defense Ministry officials said they hope to discuss the matter with the village.
One resident expressed concern about the island becoming a target in the event of a contingency.
The resident also asked whether there would be a continuous deployment of missile units and personnel like on Yonaguni Island, also in Okinawa Prefecture.
The officials responded that enhancing visible defense postures would increase deterrence. They said there are currently no plans to station additional units on Kita-Daitojima Island.
A 76-year-old participant said he accepts the deployment of a radar unit, but is worried that more units might arrive depending on the situation.
Village chief Onizuka said he believes they have gained a certain level of understanding from the residents, and that he intends to generally approve the deployment.