The 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.
In September 2025 it was reported that it is planned for the brigade to be nominally upgraded into a division in 2026.
Organization 15th Brigade, in Naha 15th Brigade HQ, in Naha 51st Infantry Regiment note 1, in Naha, with 1 × headquarters, 3 × infantry, and 1 × 120 mm mortar company 15th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, in Yaese, with three Type 3 Chū-SAM, and one Type 11 Surface-to-air missile battery Miyako Security Unit, in Miyakojima, with 1 × headquarters, 1 × infantry, and 1 × logistic support company Yaeyama Security Unit, in Ishigaki, with 1 × headquarters, 1 × infantry, and 1 × logistic support company 15th Reconnaissance Company, in Naha, with Type 87 armored reconnaissance vehicles 15th Intelligence Company, in Naha, with ScanEagle 15th Engineer Company (Combat), in Naha 15th Signal Company, in Naha 15th Aviation Squadron, at Naha Air Base, 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
External links Homepage 15th Brigade (Japanese)