Since the 2010s, Japan has been compelled to respond to China’s maritime expansion and military buildup. A particularly critical issue has been how to defend Japan’s remote islands and key island chains in the East China Sea, commonly known as the Nansei Islands. To address this challenge, the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB), a specialized force for initial defense operations, was established in March 2018.
The ARDB is a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) unit with approximately 3,000 personnel. Its defining characteristic is its full-scale amphibious operational capability, something the JGSDF had never previously possessed. If an enemy were to seize one of Japan’s remote islands, recapturing it would require an amphibious assault against a well-defended position. The ARDB was created as a dedicated force for this purpose.
The ARDB consists of three regiments, known as Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiments, as its core units. To facilitate their landing operations, the brigade has been equipped with AAV-7 amphibious assault vehicles. The ARDB operates three variants of the AAV-7: the personnel carrier, command, and recovery versions. The standard personnel carrier variant is crewed by a commander, driver, and rear crew member, and can transport approximately ten troops in its rear compartment.
During amphibious operations, the ARDB embarks its AAV-7s onto Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Ōsumi-class landing ship tank (LST), launching them from the well deck for shore assaults. The brigade is based at Ainoura Garrison in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, which is close to JMSDF Sasebo Naval Base. This location was chosen to enable rapid embarkation onto transport ships in times of emergency.
The ARDB’s AAV-7s are primarily assigned to the Combat Landing Battalion, which is composed of three Combat Landing Companies. For this article, author conducted an exclusive interview with the commander of the Combat Landing Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Seiichirō Satō.
・The AAV-7: Features and Operational Challenges
First, Naval News asked Lt. Col. Satō about the characteristics and operations of the AAV-7, the battalion’s primary equipment. The JGSDF had never previously operated amphibious armored vehicles, and its AAV-7 crews were selected from personnel who had previously served as tank operators. Given the fundamental differences between tanks and amphibious assault vehicles, author sought his perspective on AAV-7 operations.
“In armored units, we have traditionally operated tanks and Maneuver Combat Vehicles (MCVs, wheeled tank-like armored vehicle). These vehicles are characterized by three key capabilities: firepower, protection, and mobility. However, the AAV-7 introduces a fourth capability—transport capacity. It can carry troops in its cabin for transportation or deploy combat engineers to conduct obstacle-clearing operations on the shoreline. Unlike previous armored vehicles, which were primarily designed for combat, the AAV-7 is distinct in that it combines combat capability with the ability to transport personnel and equipment”.
Lt. Col. Satō
・Training Challenges for Amphibious Operations
Next, the author asked about the challenges in conducting training exercises using the AAV-7. According to Lt. Col. Satō, Japan’s training environment presents significant obstacles.
“For example, when we trained at Camp Pendleton in California, we could conduct the entire sequence of operations—landing from the sea, advancing inland, and engaging in combat—all in one continuous exercise. However, in Japan, there is no single location where we can conduct all these phases together. As a result, we have to train each phase separately— maritime maneuvering aboard JMSDF transport ships, shore landings, and inland combat exercises must all be carried out at different times and locations. One of our key challenges is how to maintain and improve our troops’ proficiency under these conditions”.
Lt. Col. Satō
・Future Amphibious Armored Vehicles: Overcoming the AAV-7’s Limitations
Naval News also asked Lt. Col. Satō about the next-generation amphibious armored vehicle that will replace the currently operated AAV-7. The Ministry of Defense is developing a new domestically produced AAV, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) leading its development. Lt. Col. Satō expressed his hopes that this new vehicle will address the shortcomings of the AAV-7.
“First and foremost, I expect an improvement in firepower. If the enemy is equipped with lightly armored vehicles, our current firepower is insufficient. The AAV-7 is armed only with a 40mm grenade launcher and a 12.7mm heavy machine gun. Additionally, the embarked infantry units carry little in the way of anti-tank weaponry, with their primary armament being recoilless rifles at best. I believe a minimum of a 30mm autocannon is necessary.
Lt. Col. Satō
Furthermore, high-speed maritime mobility and stability are also critical. The AAV-7 experiences extreme pitching and rolling at sea, causing severe motion sickness among crew members. Additionally, its maximum waterborne speed is only around 13 km/h, meaning it takes a considerable amount of time to travel from the ship to the shore during an amphibious assault. This is a significant drawback. Therefore, I believe the next-generation vehicle must be capable of high-speed, stable navigation at sea”.
・Expansion Plans for the Base’s Capabilities
As part of the interview, the author visited Sakibe Vice-Camp, where the Combat Landing Battalion is stationed, to observe an AAV-7 driving exercise conducted by the 1st Combat Landing Company. The vice-camp features a dedicated training course for the AAV-7, which includes a water inspection tank to check for leaks, as well as obstacles such as steps, rough terrain, and slopes to simulate operational conditions.
Additionally, construction is currently underway on a new pier adjacent to Sakibe Vice-Camp. Once completed, this facility will allow AAV-7s to embark directly onto JMSDF transport ships from the base, enhancing the unit’s operational readiness.
