Information Warfare Command
| Information Warfare Command | |
|---|---|
| 情報作戦集団 | |
| Active | 23 March 2026 – present |
| Country |  Japan |
| Branch | File:Naval Ensign of Japan.svg Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force |
| Type | Military intelligence Cyber warfare Information warfare |
| Role | Intelligence, cyber defense, electronic warfare, and oceanographic operations |
| Size | Command |
| Part of | Directly under the Minister of Defense |
| Headquarters | Ichigaya, Shinjuku, Tokyo |
| Commanders | |
| Commander | Vice Admiral Takeshi Yoshioka |
| Chief of Staff | Rear Admiral Yuichiro Toi |
The Information Warfare Command (Japanese: 情報作戦集団 Hepburn: Jōhō Sakusen Shūdan) (IWC) is an information warfare formation of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). It is directly subordinate to the Minister of Defense, with its headquarters located at the Ministry of Defense complex in Ichigaya, Tokyo.[1]
The IWC was created to integrate the JMSDF's intelligence collection, cyber defense, communications, oceanographic, and information warfare capabilities into a unified operational structure.[2]
History
Plans for consideration to form the IWC were highlighted in the Defense Buildup Program in December 2022.[3]
The IWC was established on 23 March 2026 as part of a major reorganization of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's intelligence and cyber warfare capabilities.[4] The command consolidated several existing organizations, including the Fleet Intelligence Command, the Oceanographic and Anti-Submarine Support Command, and the Communications Systems Command, into a single organization directly under the Minister of Defense.[5]
From April 10 to 14, 2026, the IWC participated in the Blue Spectrum 26-1, 2026 exercises in Australia.[6]
Organization
The Information Warfare Command is commanded by a vice admiral and consists of the following major subordinate formations:[7][8] The command has a manpower of 2,000 sailors.[4]
The IWC is modeled after the United States Tenth Fleet.[4]
- Information Warfare Command Headquarters
- Operational Intelligence Command
- Intelligence Collection Unit
- Matsumae Surveillance Station
- Tappi Surveillance Station
- Iki Surveillance Station
- Kami-Tsushima Surveillance Station
- Shimo-Tsushima Surveillance Station
- Meteorological and Oceanographic Intelligence Unit
- Okinawa Oceanographic Observatory
- Shimokita Oceanographic Observatory
- Kagoshima Acoustic Measurement Station
- 1st Oceanographic Operations Unit
- 1st Acoustic Measurement Unit
- Intelligence Collection Unit
- Cyber Defense Command
- Central Cyber Defense Unit
- Yokosuka Cyber Defense Unit
- Kure Cyber Defense Unit
- Sasebo Cyber Defense Unit
- Maizuru Cyber Defense Unit
- Ōminato Cyber Defense Unit
- Shimōsa Cyber Defense Unit
- Naha Cyber Defense Unit
Commanders
| No. | Commander | Took office | Left office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vice Admiral Takeshi Yoshioka | 23 March 2026 | In office |
References
- ↑ "海自が史上最大級「攻めの再編」 戦力集約、指揮一元化 中国進出で警戒任務増加に対応" (in 日本語). 産経新聞. 2026-03-23. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
- ↑ "海自 新部隊「情報作戦集団」発足 偽情報やサイバー攻撃に対応". NHKニュース (in 日本語). 2026-03-25. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
- ↑ Casimiro, Christine (2024-09-11). "Japan Restructures to Create 'Fleet Information Warfare' Command". The Defense Post. Retrieved 2026-09-22.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Japan's New Fleet Information Warfare Command Creates Opportunities for the US Navy". www.cna.org. Archived from the original on 2026-06-18. Retrieved 2026-09-22.
- ↑ "Maritime Self-Defense Force FY2025 Budget Request". Ships of the World. 24 September 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2026.
- ↑ "自衛艦隊について". www.mod.go.jp (in 日本語). Retrieved 2026-09-22.
- ↑ "Cabinet Order Partially Revising the Enforcement Order of the Self-Defense Forces Act (Cabinet Order No. 24 of 2026)" (PDF). Ministry of Defense.
- ↑ "海自 水上艦隊を新編 情報作戦集団も発足". 朝雲デジタル (in 日本語). 2026-04-16. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
External links
| Japanese intelligence agencies | |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Intelligence Council |
|
| Cabinet Office | |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
|
| Ministry of Defense |
|
| Police organizations | |
| Ministry of Justice | |
| Japan Coast Guard |
|
| Ministry of Finance |
|
| Defunct agencies |
|
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