Japan’s Defense Ministry plans to study upgrades to the island’s air and port infrastructure in the coming fiscal year, including extending the runway, strengthening port facilities and installing a floating pier capable of accommodating large vessels delivering construction materials and equipment.
Officials are also weighing the permanent deployment of Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) fighter jets to enable rapid responses to foreign aircraft and warships operating near Japan’s eastern approaches. The move would complement Japan’s broader defense buildup across Okinawa and Kyushu and close what officials describe as a “surveillance gap” on the Pacific side of the archipelago.
