A new ship has been launched for the transport unit of the Japan Self-Defense Forces

The Japan Self-Defense Force has launched a new transport ship to transport equipment and personnel to remote islands during emergencies.

The ceremony took place on Tuesday at a shipyard in Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. State Defense Minister Oniki Makoto used an ax to cut the rope to lower the ship into the sea from the platform.

The vessel is about 80 meters long and can carry about a dozen vehicles. It is capable of entering shallow ports on remote islands and landing on shore.

The Ministry of Defense plans to create a new SDF transport unit in March next year, specializing in transporting Ground Self-Defense Force personnel and equipment to remote islands and other locations in case of emergencies.

The unit will be based in the Kure area of ​​Hiroshima, and GSDF personnel will be primarily responsible for the operation of the vessels.

By the end of March 2028, the detachment should include ten transport ships. There will be four small vessels of the same type as those launched on Tuesday, two medium vessels and four high-speed vessels.

The Ministry of Defense says the arrangement will ensure rapid transport to the Nansei Islands and lead to a stronger defense posture.

The remote region in southwestern Japan is dotted with islands, both small and large.