The Meaning of Japan's New Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade Launch

On March 27, 2018, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) underwent its most significant structural reform since its formation in 1954 with the creation of a unified command and the launch of an Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) tasked with defending Japan’s remote islands. However, manufacturing delays and local opposition to stationing the V-22 Osprey will cause major setbacks to the new amphibious capability becoming operational.