In the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), the Fleet Air Force is its naval aviation branch, responsible for both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft and headquartered in Naval Air Facility Atsugi. As of 2012, it was equipped with over 200 fixed-wing aircraft and 150 helicopters. These aircraft operate from bases throughout Japan, as well as from the JMSDF's ships.
Three JMSDF P-3C Orions flying in formation during 2011
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Lockheed UP-3C Orion #9151
Kawasaki P-1
A JMSDF SH-60J Seahawk helicopter from JDS Haruna lands on board USS Russell in 2007.
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force , abbreviated JMSDF , also simply known as the Japanese Navy, is the maritime warfare branch of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, tasked with the naval defense of Japan. The JMSDF was formed following the dissolution of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) after World War II. The JMSDF has a fleet of 154 ships, 346 aircraft and 50,800 personnel.
JMSDF during fleet maneuvers in 2019
A RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 launched from JS Kongō, an Aegis destroyer
The Sōryū-class attack submarine Kenryū
JS Izumo, an Izumo-class helicopter destroyer being refitted to carry F-35B stealth fighters