The Kaiju Defense Force , abbreviated as KDF, is a large defense organization established by humans, which appears as the antagonistic force in Ultraman: Rising.
Overview[]
The KDF is believed to have been initially established 25 years ago due to the frequent disasters caused by kaiju from "Kaiju Island" traveling to Japan.[1] This prompted some kaiju researchers to unite and form this investigative organization. Utilizing advanced technology, the KDF is equipped with various high-end mechs, dedicated to containing kaiju disasters and preventing them from spreading to human-inhabited areas. With the assistance of Ultraman, the KDF has successfully averted numerous disasters.[2]
For a long time, the primary goal of the KDF has been to "locate Kaiju Island." However, following a major disaster 20 years ago, the organization, under the leadership of Dr. Onda, gradually expanded its military capabilities and mech equipment. After undergoing significant changes, the KDF became Japan's main military force, focusing on eliminating all kaiju threats. The KDF's primary mission is to use advanced technology to completely eradicate kaiju.
Many KDF members have lost loved ones and homes to these disasters. They follow Dr. Onda's philosophy, believing that the only way to resolve the problem is by completely eliminating the kaiju.
History[]
Ultraman: Rising[]
The KDF first appeared during Ultraman's battle with Neronga and immediately intervened to halt Ultraman's actions. Utilizing their advanced technology, the KDF members successfully killed Neronga.[3] After this victory, Dr. Onda addressed the team, acknowledging their sacrifices and efforts. He expressed his determination to create a safer country, earning applause from the members.
The KDF steals Gigantron's egg.
The KDF members then successfully captured Gigantron's egg in the Pacific Ocean and used it as bait to find clues leading to Kaiju Island. However, when the transport team arrived in Tokyo, they were attacked by Gigantron and completely wiped out. Dr. Onda ordered the air force to retrieve the egg, sparking a battle between Ultraman, Gigantron, and the KDF. Ultimately, under Dr. Onda's command, the KDF air force used missiles to strike both Ultraman and Gigantron, causing them to fall into Tokyo Bay. The investigative team was dispatched for recovery operations, but found no trace of Ultraman or the egg at the site.
The force eventually took the unconscious Gigantron back to headquarters and continued deploying multiple search drones to locate the missing egg, Gigantron's "baby" (later named Emi). Under Dr. Onda's direction, Gigantron underwent unethical modifications to lure the infant, resulting in the creation of "Mecha Gigantron." codename "Project Surrogate ".
The KDF's attack squadron was dispatched to Tokyo Tower to carry out the mission of capturing Emi.
When Emi escaped into the city, KDF drones eventually located her. Consequently, KDF deployed an attack squadron to Tokyo Tower for a capture mission. However, this mission failed again due to Ultraman's intervention. Nevertheless, KDF learned about Gigantron's echolocation-based positioning ability through this encounter, and decided to harness this power to locate Kaiju Island. Meanwhile, in the news, they also slandered Ultraman as a threat and demanded his arrest.
Drones eventually located Emi on Professor Sato's private island and attacked the individuals present. To pinpoint Emi's frequency, the KDF switched to triangulation and successfully located Ultraman's position. They then deployed Mecha Gigantron to launch missiles directly at the Ultra Base. With Mecha Gigantron successfully luring Emi, the KDF boarded the large airship "Destroyer" and tracked the two Kaiju southeast in an attempt to find Kaiju Island. However, Ultraman's intervention thwarted their plans.
Simultaneously, with assistance from Ultradad and Emi's cries, KDF ultimately lost control of Mecha Gigantron. Onda instructed Captain Aoshima to have all members board escape pods, transforming the ship into a massive robot to confront both Ultras and the Kaiju family in the final showdown. The battle concluded in the failure of the Destroyer. Onda eventually initiated the robot's self-destruct sequence in an attempt to obliterate the area containing Ultraman. The Destroyer ultimately exploded in Tokyo Bay. The story concludes without mentioning KDF's responsibility or subsequent actions regarding this incident.
Base[]
KDF HQ
The main base of KDF is located near Tokyo Bay in Japan, and it's a massive facility. The main building of the base is a circular structure with a roof covered by a shield dome, protecting the large structures below. In concept art, the base's exterior was designed by Marcos Mateu-Mestre.
Underneath the shield dome, there's an open-air hangar bay with a roofed perimeter, shielding the maintenance areas from harsh weather conditions. The main hangar and side bays provide aircraft storage, ordnance storage, and maintenance space, featuring circular elevating lifts. When the Gunship is deployed, it can rise and turn on an elevating turntable from the lower deck to initiate takeoff procedures.
Prior to deployments, these mechas are stationed on the main flight deck for final fueling and flight preparation.
The core area of the base is the control room, where Dr. Onda issues instructions. The control room features a hemispherical structure with a central platform screen, and main paths divide various departments, all leading to the command center. The room is equipped with transparent glass interactive displays and matte black padded seats for the members to work.
Concept artist Adam J. Ely constructed an artistic model of this space based on the designs by Marcos Mateu-Mestre and Khang Le, marking out the various departments on the floor plan, indicating a total of 29 departments in the base.[4]
The base also features other facilities, including a "Hatchery" where Dr. Onda addressed other members, and the room seems to be designed for incubating Gigantron eggs. Additionally, there is a large AR projection room and an area dedicated to the Kaiju Display Wall, which archives information on defeated kaijus from various eras. These facilities are also used for conducting life investigations on Gigantron and implementing "Project Surrogate."
Members[]
- Main article: Dr. Onda
Dr. Onda
Dr. Onda is the chief officer of KDF. He is also the main person in charge of Project Surrogate.
- Main article: Aoshima
Aoshima
Captain Aoshima is the command captain of KDF and Dr. Onda's loyal assistant.
Former Members[]
- Main article: Emiko Sato
Emiko Sato
Emiko Sato is believed to be a former member of the organization, and she is briefly pictured in uniform in the film, as well as owning an older KDF helmet.
- Main article: Hayao Sato
Hayao Sato
Hayao Sato is believed to be a former member of the organization, and in the movie, he owns most of the old KDF-era mechas.
Arsenal[]
Attire[]
- KDF Uniform: The KDF members wear uniforms to denote their affiliation and provide identification. Depending on their roles, these uniforms include categories such as security attire and protective gear.
- KDF Helmet: Large helmets worn by KDF members for safety requirements, primarily used when piloting KDF Jets.
- The design of the old helmets was modeled after UG helmets.
- KDF Watch: A device worn by KDF members, equipped with multiple functions for communication and task notifications.
- The design of these watches is based on the 1967 Omega Speedmaster. This model served as the prototype for MAT's Speedmaster in Return of Ultraman episode 8.[6]
- The Sato family also possesses similar watch devices with additional functionalities. Ken's watch features an LED screen. The model of these watches is based on the Seiko Computer Watch UC-2000 & UC-3000.
Equipment[]
- Potent tranquilizer: A harmless yet highly effective medication with powerful sedative effects. In the movie, KDF uses this weapon to capture Emi, ensuring she is safely apprehended without harm or resistance.
- Capture net: An electronic capture device mounted on drones (Drone Triangle). This weapon is utilized in the film to capture Neronga by launching capture nets to restrict the monster's movements.
- Missiles: Medium-power weapons equipped by KDF on their jets, drones, and mecha Gigantron. These missiles possess strong destructive capability and are used to attack Gigantron and the Ultra Base.
- Parachute: An old equipment of KDF, now owned by Professor Sato, which is used as a blanket for Emi in the film.[7]
- KDF Drones: Small unmanned aerial vehicles of the KDF, equipped with capabilities similar to attack aircraft, capable of combat operations through remote control or autonomous piloting. In the movie, these drones are equipped with potent tranquilizers used for capturing Emi.
![Concept art by Ryo Yambe[8]](/wiki/File:KDF_Drone_Art_1.jpg "KDF Drone Art 1.jpg (1.28 MB)")
- Unused Design
![Concept art by Ryo Yambe[9]](/wiki/File:KDF_Drone_Art_3.jpg "KDF Drone Art 3.jpg (711 KB)")
Mecha[]
KDF Gunship[10]
KDF Gunship/Black Jack: The KDF heavy attack aircraft is capable of engaging kaiju targets on the ground from close range in the air. In the film, this Gunship is used for transporting Emi's eggs, recovery missions, and reconnaissance tasks. The aircraft can accommodate four personnel, including the captain, vice-captain, and two gunners.
The aircraft can operate in both normal mode and attack mode, equipped with weapons such as the God of Fire cannon and mini machine guns.
![Gunship Previs Model, by Justina Hnatowicz[11]](/wiki/File:KDF_HQ_Control_Room_7.jpg "KDF HQ Control Room 7.jpg (112 KB)")
![Concept art by Ryo Yambe[12]](/wiki/File:KDF_Gunship_11.jpg "KDF Gunship 11.jpg (681 KB)")
![Interior, by Ryo Yambe[13]](/wiki/File:KDF_Gunship_20.jpg "KDF Gunship 20.jpg (902 KB)")
KDF Jet
KDF Jet: The standard fighter jet of KDF, primarily used for air-to-air combat to attack aerial targets and secure air superiority on the battlefield. It represents KDF's most crucial aerial combat capability. The aircraft is piloted by a single pilot.
In the film, these jets are used for attack missions and operations to track and engage targets.
![Concept art by Khang Le[14]](/wiki/File:KDF_Jet_art_1.png "KDF Jet art 1.png (4.47 MB)")
![[14]](/wiki/File:KDF_Jet_art_2.png "KDF Jet art 2.png (4.41 MB)")
![[14]](/wiki/File:KDF_Jet_art_3.png "KDF Jet art 3.png (5.38 MB)")
![[14]](/wiki/File:KDF_Jet_art_4.png "KDF Jet art 4.png (5.72 MB)")
![[14]](/wiki/File:KDF_Jet_art_5.png "KDF Jet art 5.png (4.48 MB)")
![Concept art by Ryo Yambe[15]](/wiki/File:KDF_Jet_011.jpg "KDF Jet 011.jpg (415 KB)")
![Interior, by Ryo Yambe[16]](/wiki/File:KDF_Jet_015.jpg "KDF Jet 015.jpg (919 KB)")
KDF Drone (Triangle)
KDF Drone (Triangle): A large unmanned aerial vehicle of the KDF, serving as one of the primary flying mechas for defensive attacks, equipped with remote control or autonomous piloting technology to execute various combat missions.
In the film, this Drone is used for launching missiles and deploying multifunctional tools such as capture nets.
Destroyer
- Main article: Destroyer
Destroyer: The KDF's large airborne mothership, serving as a command and control center to coordinate various combat operations and provide aerial support.
Retired Mechas[]
The following mechas still retain the old KDF emblem in their appearance:
Ultra Ship
- Main article: Ultra Ship
Ultra Ship: An early exploration vessel of the KDF, currently owned by Sato.
Defense Turret[14]
Defense Turret: An early military defense asset of the KDF, now owned by Sato. The cannon allows operators to maneuver it with limited rotation capabilities. Beneath the cover plates at the base of the cannon, there are extendable tracks hidden, allowing operators to adjust its position by rigging the joystick for movements such as pulling, lowering, and sideways motion to adapt to various combat needs.
The weapon did not appear in the film. According to concept artist Khang Le and the illustrations provided in the concept art, it is an old technology hidden in Sato's forest cabin/lab attic.[17]
![Concept art by Khang Le[14]](/wiki/File:Sato%27s_Defense_Turret_1.jpg "Sato's Defense Turret 1.jpg (59 KB)")
![[14]](/wiki/File:Sato%27s_Defense_Turret_2.jpg "Sato's Defense Turret 2.jpg (81 KB)")
![[14]](/wiki/File:Sato%27s_Defense_Turret_3.jpg "Sato's Defense Turret 3.jpg (86 KB)")
![[14]](/wiki/File:Sato%27s_Defense_Turret_4.jpg "Sato's Defense Turret 4.jpg (81 KB)")
![[14]](/wiki/File:Sato%27s_Defense_Turret_5.jpg "Sato's Defense Turret 5.jpg (95 KB)")
![[14]](/wiki/File:Sato%27s_Defense_Turret_6.png "Sato's Defense Turret 6.png (1.43 MB)")
Gallery[]
Ultraman: Rising[]
Concept Art[]
![KDF HQ, by Joseph Feinsilver[18]](/wiki/File:KDF_13.jpg "KDF 13.jpg (279 KB)")
![KDF HQ' Gunship Hangers, by Adam J Ely[19]](/wiki/File:KDF_15.jpg "KDF 15.jpg (63 KB)")
![KDF HQ Control Room, by Khang Le[14]](/wiki/File:KDF_HQ_Control_Room_1.jpg "KDF HQ Control Room 1.jpg (729 KB)")
![KDF HQ Control Room, by Nacho Molina[20]](/wiki/File:KDF_HQ_Control_Room_Art_1.png "KDF HQ Control Room Art 1.png (4.56 MB)")
![KDF Hatchery Previs Model, by Justina Hnatowicz[11]](/wiki/File:KDF_HQ_Control_Room_6.jpg "KDF HQ Control Room 6.jpg (121 KB)")
![KDF HQ Control Room, by Adam J Ely[4]](/wiki/File:KDF_Control_Room_21.jpg "KDF Control Room 21.jpg (110 KB)")
![Incubator, by Gabriel Gomez[21]](/wiki/File:Incubator_1.jpg "Incubator 1.jpg (131 KB)")
Miscellaneous[]
Trivia[]
- A villain organization with a similar status to KDF already existed in the early conceptual planning of Made in Japan/Gamma Man.
![Concept art by Ovi Nedelcu[22]](/wiki/File:Ovi_Nedelcu_Gamma_man_6.jpg "Ovi Nedelcu Gamma man 6.jpg (83 KB)")
![Laboratory, by Emil Mitev[23]](/wiki/File:Ganna_man_40.png "Ganna man 40.png (4.3 MB)")
- This defense force is the fourth to primarily oppose the protagonist, following the Black Buster Corps from Ultraman Dyna, DEUS from Ultraseven X, and SAAG from Ultraman Z.
- The KDF is the second defense force, following TLT/NR (early period only), to entirely regard Ultraman as an adversary or attack target. According to public warnings from the KDF, since Ultraman is not an authorized government agent in Japan, the KDF has sufficient justification to order him to evacuate the scene immediately; failure to comply will result in detention. Under Dr. Onda's command, this defense force is authorized to use lethal force in the event of Ultraman's intervention.
- According to Shannon Tindle's AMA held on X (formerly Twitter), it was confirmed that Emiko Sato is the founder of this organization.[24]
- Since the Sato couple were former members of the KDF, it is speculated that the technology they left behind for the defense force was later used to upgrade prototypes of unmanned drone equipment. These drones bear a resemblance to Mina's appearance.
- Sato installed a secret monitoring system in their residence's room to monitor the activities of the KDF headquarters.
- KDF's organizational changes are reflected in the alteration of their emblem, the color scheme of their aircraft, and the uniforms of their members.
- According to the graphics at KDF headquarters, before the main events of the film, KDF had successfully eradicated five kaiju. These include Bemular, Red King, Gomora, Eleking, and Twin Tail.
References[]
- ↑ https://x.com/ShannonTindle_1/status/1803936793450156115
- ↑ https://x.com/ShannonTindle_1/status/1803969727217439075
- ↑ https://x.com/ShannonTindle_1/status/1803810658565382350
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 https://www.instagram.com/p/C8any1Syj8m/
- ↑ https://nerdist.com/article/shannon-tindle-ultraman-rising-interview/
- ↑ https://revolutionwatch.com/2018-speedmaster-limited-edition-42mm-ultraman/
- ↑ https://x.com/ShannonTindle_1/status/1805429705820250518
- ↑ https://x.com/Ryo_Yambe_jp/status/1805646166044164191
- ↑ https://x.com/Ryo_Yambe_jp/status/1805654619332526479
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/C81OThIxGNi/
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 https://www.instagram.com/p/C8QI0Z9SX4y/
- ↑ https://x.com/Ryo_Yambe_jp/status/1807904385101619285
- ↑ https://x.com/Ryo_Yambe_jp/status/1807904385101619285
- ↑ 14.00 14.01 14.02 14.03 14.04 14.05 14.06 14.07 14.08 14.09 14.10 14.11 14.12 https://www.khangleart.com/ultraman-rising/
- ↑ https://x.com/Ryo_Yambe_jp/status/1809308827919216949
- ↑ https://x.com/Ryo_Yambe_jp/status/1809465131732275389
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/C8aCKjCP27J/
- ↑ https://x.com/JoeFeinsilver/status/1804022929664913912
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/C8dKdYbSaPG/
- ↑ https://www.nachomolinaart.com/ultraman
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/C8UWSKQqhPf/
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/C8ZxZT4OwIt/
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/C8Xtf7TyrvU/
- ↑ https://x.com/ShannonTindle_1/status/1803816071679586417
| Defense Teams | |
|---|---|
| Showa Defense Teams | SSSP | TDF (UG, MAT, TAC, ZAT, MAC, UGM) | Science Guard Party |
| Heisei Defense Teams | UMA | WINR | HEART | Mydo | TPC (GUTS, Super GUTS, Black Buster Corps, Neo Super GUTS) | GUARD (XIG) | GOKAZOKU | SRC (EYES, Team SEA), JADF | BCST | TLT (NR) | UDF (DASH) | GUYS | DEUS | ZAP SPACY | Team U | UPG | UNVER (Xio) | VTL | AIB |
| Reiwa Defense Teams | EGIS | GAF (STORAGE) | TPU (GUTS-Select) | SSSP | GGF (SKaRD) | KDF | GDF (SKIP) |
| Other Defense Teams | Inter Galactic Defense Force | Space Patrol | MIGHTY JACK | SRI | SGM | Team Mouri | SAT | SAF | PAT | Koseidon Corps | MAT | SWORD | SSSP | USP | GIRLS |