National Nov 19, 2019
Izumo upgrade and planned space unit to further boost Japanese Defense Ministry budget
The work on the Izumo is primarily aimed at reinforcing the heat resistance of its deck to enable landings and takeoffs by F-35B jets.
Business Oct 24, 2019
Russia landed two nuclear-capable bombers in South Africa on a training mission on Wednesday, a flight apparently timed to coincide with President Vladimir Putin's opening of a flagship Russia-Africa summit designed to increase Russian influence. The two Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bombers touched down at Waterkloof ...
Commentary / World Sep 18, 2019
Putin's trolling of Trump isn't just about missiles
by Leonid Bershidsky
Russia's offer to sell air defense systems to Saudi Arabia is really a bid to replace the U.S. as the region's go-to problem solver.
National Sep 15, 2019
Defense Ministry to set up electronic warfare unit in Kumamoto Prefecture
As part of an effort to strengthen the defense of outlying islands, the Defense Ministry plans to set up an electronic warfare unit at Camp Kengun, operated by the Ground Self-Defense Force's Western Army in Kumamoto Prefecture. A cybersecurity unit was established at the same ...
National / Politics Sep 10, 2019
Abe's plan for U.S. Aegis Ashore missile shield rattles Akita residents
by Isabel Reynolds and Emi Nobuhiro
The sleepy neighborhood of Araya in the city of Akita seemed like the perfect place for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to put a U.S. anti-missile system. The area has reliably backed the ruling party and has firsthand experience of a North Korean rocket flying ...
National Aug 30, 2019
Japan seeks record ¥5.32 trillion defense budget with new focus on space and cyberspace
The ministry wants ¥52.4 billion to join the space race but ¥88 billion to start converting the Izumo into a conventional aircraft carrier and buy six stealth F-35Bs for it.
Asia Pacific Jul 29, 2019
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Monday that an additional $40 million would be spent on weapons from China to modernize the Southeast Asian country's military. Cambodia's military ties with ally China have been under increased scrutiny after concerns expressed by the United States ...
Commentary / World Jul 19, 2019
Trump's incoherent policy on India
by Ramesh Thakur
The distance from hubris to delusion is short and the Trump administration is bent on covering it in a sprint in its India policy.
Editorials Jul 11, 2019
Even if ties to China warm, as appears to be occurring, Japan must not let relations with Taiwan be subordinated to relations with Beijing.
National Jul 4, 2019
Ex-Australian PM Tony Abbott says he regrets unsuccessful submarine deal with Japan
Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said Tuesday he regrets being unable to secure a contract to have Japan help develop Australia's new class of submarine, according to local media reports. During an event at the Japanese Embassy in Canberra, Abbott expressed disappointment over his ...
World Jun 17, 2019
With U.S. and China spending billions on defense, European air forces risk being left behind
As European leaders on Monday were preparing to formalize the launch of a next-generation combat jet, analysts warn the continent's air forces are increasingly being outpaced by American and soon Chinese aerospace industries that are swimming in cash. French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the ...
National Jun 10, 2019
Pilot's 'spatial disorientation' was likely cause of F-35A crash, Japan defense minister says
According to a ministry report, there were no signs the pilot tried to eject and he is believed to have lost his bearings just before the crash.