15th Brigade (Japan)
| 15th Brigade | |
|---|---|
15th Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia | |
| Active | 26 March 2010 – present |
| Country | Japan |
| Branch | Japan Ground Self-Defense Force |
| Type | Brigade |
| Size | 2500 soldiers |
| Part of | Western Army |
| Garrison/HQ | Naha |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Maj. Gen. Hideki Agario |
The 15th Brigade (第15旅団) is one of eight active brigades of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The brigade is subordinated to the Western Army[1] and is headquartered in Naha, Okinawa.[2] Its responsibility is the defense of Okinawa Prefecture.
History
The 15th Brigade was raised to replace the 1st Combined Brigade on March 26, 2010.[3][2]
In September 2025 it was reported that it is planned for the brigade to be nominally upgraded into a division in 2026.[4]
Organization
- 15th Brigade, in Naha
- 15th Brigade HQ, in Naha
- 51st Infantry Regiment note 1, in Naha
- 15th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, in Yaese, with three Type 3 Chū-SAM, and one Type 11 Surface-to-air missile battery
- Miyako Area Security Force, in Miyakojima
- 15th Reconnaissance Company, in Naha, with Type 87 armored reconnaissance vehicles
- 15th Combat Engineer Company, in Naha
- 15th Signal Company, in Naha
- 15th Aviation Squadron, in Naha, flying UH-60JA and CH-47J/JA helicopters
- 15th NBC-defense Company, in Naha
- 101st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, in Naha
- 15th Logistic Support Battalion, in Naha
note 1: Infantry Regiments have only battalion strength.
References
- ^ "Japan Self Defense Force, Marines Train for Disasters - Japan | ReliefWeb".
- ^ a b "Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade [ARDB] / 15th Brigade".
- ^ "FOCUS: Once vilified, GSDF are now "indispensable deterrent" in Okinawa".
- ^ "Japanese MoD to establish new division and special operations brigade - European Security & Defence". 24 September 2025. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
External links
- Homepage 15th Brigade (Japanese)