The warning and surveillance capabilities of the Self-Defense Forces will be boosted to ensure security in the air and sea around Japan, according to a draft outline of new defense guidelines.
The draft, released Wednesday, also says the SDF needs to beef up its ability to defend remote islands from attack, as the Defense Ministry is considering the introduction of drones and amphibious forces to ensure Japan keeps control of the Senkaku Islands, which are coveted by a more assertive China.
The ability to carry out such a defense would depend on speedy gathering of intelligence, and cooperation with the U.S. military in surveillance and warning activities, according to the draft.