Defense Agency chief Tsutomu Kawara said Sunday that the agency will step up its efforts to draft rules of engagement for the Self-Defense Forces.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the National Defense Medical College in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, Kawara said, "It is extremely important to draft operational guidelines so that the SDF will be able to appropriately execute its various duties required by law. We will strengthen our efforts in the future."
The ROE are the guidelines that govern the use of weapons in emergencies.
The minister said he would lead agency officials in a joint study of ROE and that the agency is scheduled to set up a panel Thursday.