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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

U.S. forces admit responsibility for radio jamming at Haneda Airport

The U.S. Forces in Japan have claimed responsibility for the temporary radio jamming at Haneda Airport that disrupted the Instrumental Landing System resulting in a temporarily closure and flight delays on its runway. This information was released through a report the USFJ submitted on December 9 to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

On October 25, Akahata reported that the jamming was caused by beams cast by the U.S. aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk's Tactical Air Navigation aid (TACAN) that interfered with Haneda's ILS operation. The U.S. Yokosuka Navy Base in Kanagawa Prefecture, where the Kitty Hawk is homeported, is about 30 kilometers south of Haneda Airport.

On October 26 at the House of Representatives Committee of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Japanese Communist Party representative Kokuta Keiji demanded that the government ask the USFJ to make a thorough investigation into the matter so that civil aviation can be safeguarded.

At least three ILS-related jamming cases have been confirmed at Haneda Airport on October 18, 2004, and on October 10 and 17, 2005.

The U.S. report recognizes that a U.S. naval ship in Yokosuka Port was responsible for causing the jamming and that the frequency they used to escort an extra helicopter mission was the same as that used at Haneda.

The report also states that all U.S. naval vessels will deal with radio waves based on strict operational procedures, and that any U.S. forces must be acquainted with the radio wave cycle in Japan.

Commenting on this, some Japanese pilots and airport controllers said, "Although the USFJ failed to identify the U.S. ship, it can be said in view of the wave's direction and power that the U.S. forces actually recognized that the Kitty Hawk carrying TACAN was responsible for the jamming.

"It is quite natural that the USFJ, in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)'s code, will stop using a similar wave cycle with Haneda's which is adjacent to Yokosuka.
-Akahata, December 10, 2005