National Nov 24, 2021
Use of unmanned vehicles becoming crucial to Japan's defense
Autonomous vehicles, including in the field of national security, are seen as indispensable to Japan, which has a rapidly aging population and low birthrate.
Asia Pacific Sep 16, 2021
Taipei has warned of an urgent need to upgrade weapons in the face of a "severe threat" from its giant neighbor China.
Asia Pacific Jan 16, 2021
India's friction with U.S. rises over planned purchase of Russian S-400 defense systems
Washington has told New Delhi it is unlikely to get a waiver on its planned acquisition of Moscow's S-400 air defense systems, raising the risk of sanctions.
World | FOCUS Jan 11, 2021
U.S. Navy’s priciest carrier ever struggles to get jets on and off deck
by Tony Capaccio
The USS Gerald R. Ford’s new systems are crucial to justifying the expense of what’s now a four-vessel program intended to replace the current Nimitz class of aircraft carriers.
National | FOCUS Jan 5, 2021
Japan and U.S. to boost defense ties with Europe in Indo-Pacific
by Ko Hirano
In 2021, the U.K. will deploy an aircraft carrier and its strike group to East Asia, France will dispatch a naval vessel to Japan and Germany will send a frigate to the Indian Ocean.
National Dec 21, 2020
Japan approves record defense budget for fiscal 2021 amid China threats
by Reito Kaneko
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 Dec 19, 2020
Japan may equip Aegis ships with long-range standoff missiles
The government may install the missiles on two ships that were recently approved for development in the face of China's growing naval assertiveness.
National Dec 19, 2020
Defense Ministry to team up with Keidanren to promote arms exports
The move comes as China advances military buildups, raises defense spending and increases assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
National Dec 18, 2020
Japan will work with Lockheed Martin on new fighter jet, Defense Ministry says
The Defense Ministry weighed the American aerospace giant's experience in delivering the U.S. military's mainstay F-22 and F-35 stealth fighters when narrowing down potential partners.
National | FOCUS Dec 18, 2020
Japan's additional Aegis ships could encourage further arms buildup
by Reito Kaneko and Munehisa Tokunaga
The proposed deployment could allow China and Russia to justify further military expansion, experts say.
National Dec 16, 2020
Japan's 2021 defense budget to be record high of ¥5.34 trillion
As for tax revenue, the government predicts it to be below ¥60 trillion for fiscal 2021, given the expected fallout from the pandemic on corporate earnings, the sources said.
National / Reference | EXPLAINER Dec 16, 2020
As negotiations stall, how much does Japan actually pay to host U.S. forces?
by Eric Johnston
With Trump having lost the election and time running out to strike a deal, the Japanese government is looking at a one-year extension of the current agreement.