The is one of eight active brigades of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The brigade is subordinated to the Northern Army and is headquartered in Obihiro, Hokkaidō. Its responsibility is the defense of North Eastern Hokkaidō. The brigade was formed on 29 March 2004 with units from the disbanded 5th Infantry Division. Organization 5th Brigade, in Obihiro 5th Brigade HQ, in Obihiro 5th Tank Battalion, in Shikaoi, with three Squadrons of Type 90 Main Battle Tanks 4th Infantry Regiment note 1, in Obihiro 6th Infantry Regiment, in Bihoro 27th Infantry Regiment, in Kushiro 5th Artillery Battalion, in Obihiro, with three batteries of Type 99 155mm Self-propelled howitzers 5th Reconnaissance Company, in Betsukai, with Type 87 Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle 5th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Company, in Obihiro, with Type 81 and Type 93 Surface-to-air missile systems 5th Combat Engineer Company, in Obihiro 5th Signal Company, in Obihiro 5th Aviation Squadron, in Obihiro, flying UH-1J and OH-6D helicopters 5th NBC Defense Company, in Obihiro 5th Logistic Support Battalion, in Obihiro note 1: Infantry Regiments have only battalion strength. External links Homepage 5th Brigade (Japanese) Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Brigade Military units and formations established in 2004