National May 11, 2021

Japan ground troops begin joint military drill with U.S. and France

The forces of the three countries will engage in urban warfare drills followed by amphibious operation exercises in southwestern Japan.

National Apr 2, 2021

Japan's ruling LDP proposes boost to SDF and coast guard capabilities

A proposal by a panel within the governing party also asks for legal changes to be considered that would allow use of weapons to deal with incidents that fall short of a military attack.

National Mar 27, 2021

China could step up armaments and provocations near Senkakus, Defense Ministry report warns

An author of the report warned that moves by Chinese government vessels against Japanese fishing boats near the disputed islands will likely become even more blatant.

National | ANALYSIS Mar 17, 2021

Confirmation of law on coast guard action will help Japan deter China, officials say

"This interpretation will not allow others to find weaknesses in Japan's law and will work as a deterrent," former Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said.

National Feb 25, 2021

Japan can shoot at foreign government vessels attempting to land on Senkakus, LDP official says

Government officials had said earlier Japan's coast guard is only allowed to fire weapons directly at foreign vessels in cases of self-defense and emergency escape.

National Dec 21, 2020

Japan approves record defense budget for fiscal 2021 amid China threats

The draft budget, up 0.5% from the previous year, includes funding to introduce new standoff missiles capable of attacking enemy vessels from outside their firing range.

National | FOCUS Dec 18, 2020

Japan's additional Aegis ships could encourage further arms buildup

The proposed deployment could allow China and Russia to justify further military expansion, experts say.

National Dec 9, 2020

Japan to build two new Aegis ships as alternative to land-based system

Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi also announced that Japan plans to develop standoff missiles that can be launched at targets from outside the range of enemy missiles.

National Dec 7, 2020

Japan and U.S. conduct joint military drills amid China's assertiveness

Held since 1982, it is one of the largest-scale exercises conducted by the GSDF and the U.S. Army.

National Nov 11, 2020

Lockheed exec says Aegis radar 'fully capable' for MSDF vessels

Given that a sea-based option is now more likely, some LDP lawmakers have raised concern that interoperability between the Maritime Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Navy may be undermined.