Japan Ground Self-Defense Force

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF; Japanese: 陸上自衛隊; Rikujō Jieitai), is the main branch of the Japan Self-Defense Force responsible for land-based military operations. It is the de facto army of Japan. The JGSDF was created on July 1, 1954. Up until the end of the Cold War, its primary concern was maintaining internal security in Japan and countering a possible Soviet invasion of Hokkaido. The largest of the three services of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is tasked with maintaining internal security in Japan and operates under the command of the chief of the ground staff, based in the city of Ichigaya, Tokyo. The present chief of the ground staff is General Eiji Kimizuka (Japanese: 君塚 栄治).

The JGSDF numbered around 150,000 soldiers in 2008. As of 2010, it numbered approximately 148,000 personnel.

Equipment

Vehicles

Armoured Vehicles

• Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle
• Komatsu Light Armoured Vehicle x 1,965
• Type 10 Main Battle Tank x 53
• Type 73 Armoured Personnel Carrier x 340
• Type 74 Main Battle Tank x 373
• Type 82 Command and Communications Vehicle x 250
• Type 87 Reconnaissance and Warning Vehicle x 100
• Type 89 Infantry Fighting Vehicle x 120
• Type 90 Main Battle Tank x 341
• Type 96 Armoured Personnel Carrier x 365

Artillery

• FH-70 Towed Howitzer x 492
• M110 Self-Propelled Howitzer x 92
• M270 MLRS x 100
• Toyota Koukidousha SAM Launcher
• Type 87 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun x 52
• Type 96 120mm Self-Propelled Mortar
• Type 99 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer x 106