Japan Ground Self-Defense Force news from Japan

 The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) established the Yuso Kokutai (Transport Aviation Group) for its V-22 Osprey operations in March 2020.

 Part of this group are two Osprey squadrons (107 and 108 Hikotai) and a CH-47J/JA Chinook squadron (109 Hikotai). In October 2020, the first Chinook for this squadron was seen with its new squadron badge consisting of two crossed samurai swords and superimposed the head and red helmet of a samurai warrior. The Chinook, serial 52972/JG-2972 is a former Seibu Homen Herikoputatai/3 Hikotai “Kingfishers” (WH unit code, Takayubaru base) example. According to the tweet, 109 Hikotai will also be based at Takayubaru, so it could be possible the “Kingfishers” will simply be renamed into 109 Hikotai. Unfortunately the unit code for 109 Hikotai was not noted.