15th Brigade (Japan)
# 15th Brigade (Japan)

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 and is headquartered in Naha, Okinawa. Its responsibility is the defense of Okinawa Prefecture.

## History

The 15th Brigade was raised to replace the 1st Combined Brigade on March 26, 2010.

## Organization

* 15th Brigade, in Naha
   * 15th Brigade HQ, in Naha
   * 51st Infantry Regiment $^{note1},$ 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.

