The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) will establish two new units within the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026: the 15th Division and the tentatively named Special Operations Brigade (SOB).
To strengthen defence capabilities in the southwestern region, the MoD will reorganise the 15th Brigade (based in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture), under the Western Army, constitiute the new 15th Division. The 15th Brigade is currently organised as a Rapid Deployment Modernized Brigade (Remote Island type), with one core infantry regiment and around 2,300 personnel.
As the 15th Brigade becomes the 15th Division a new infantry regiment will be added, the current reconnaissance unit will be abolished, and a new reconnaissance combat unit equipped with Type 16 Mobile Combat Vehicles and other assets are planned to be formed. Communications systems and logistics support capabilities will also be enhanced.
Together with other units under its command, such as the Miyako Security Force (Miyako Island, based on one infantry company with around 350 personnel) and the Yaeyama Security Force (Yaeyama Islands, based on one infantry company with around 350 personnel), the 15th Division will have a total strength of 3,900 personnel. Consequently, the commanding general’s rank will be elevated from major general to lieutenant general. By comparison, however, a JGSDF infantry regiment is essentially the size of a battalion in other militaries.
One reason for the upgrade to a division, according to a retired JGSDF general, is that the commander of the US 31st Marine Expeditionary Force on Okinawa holds the rank of lieutenant general. The JGSDF may thus be aiming to establish closer co-ordination between the two units by placing their commanders on an equal footing.
Meanwhile, to enhance special operations capabilities the SOB will be established, primarily comprising the Special Operations Group (SOG, headquartered at Narashino City, Chiba Prefecture) and the Central Readiness Regiment (CRR, headquartered at Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture). The commander will be a major general.
Details of the SOB’s organisational structure have not yet been disclosed. While in the FY2026 budget no specific funding request was made for the formation of the SOB, approximately JPY24 billion (EUR 0.14 billion) has been requested to cover facility improvements and equipment procurement necessary for the conversion of the 15th Brigade into the 15th Division.
