Japan Self-Defense Forces

The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) (; Hepburn: Jieitai), also known as the Japanese Armed Forces, are the unified military forces of Japan. Established in 1954, the JSDF comprises the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. They are controlled by the Ministry of Defense with the Prime Minister as commander-in-chief. The JSDF has engaged in international peacekeeping operations with the United Nations. Tensions with North Korea have reignited debate over the status of the JSDF and its relationship to Japanese society. Since 2010, the JSDF has refocused from countering the former Soviet Union to the People's Republic of China, and since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine the JSDF has also considered the Russian Federation a major threat; increasing military cooperation with Australia, India, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States has been a priority, as well as acquiring new equipment and hardware. History 20th century