Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force will participate in the U.S.-led Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC, multinational naval exercises to be held off Hawaii between Aug. 17 and 31, Defense Minister Taro Kono said Tuesday. MSDF troops will only join offshore drills, without participating in exchange ...
GSDF starts deploying controversial Ospreys to Chiba amid safety protests in Saga
The controversial U.S.-made tilt-rotor aircraft are expected to stay at Camp Kisarazu for up to five years before moving to Saga Prefecture.
Cash and politics may stymie any push for strike capabilities in Japan
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is discussing the issue and is expected to put forward its conclusions later this month.
Japan to build prototype of F-2 successor fighter from fiscal 2024
A company to undertake the manufacturing of the fighter body will be selected as early as in October, the Defense Ministry said.
Japan considering deploying two more destroyers to offset scrapped Aegis Ashore plan
The proposal also calls for GSDF personnel to take on some of the duties aboard the new vessels, as the MSDF grapples with a shortage of manpower.
Japanese defense: The trouble with 'strike' capabilities
Should the nation adopt policies and acquire equipment that would enable it to execute attacks onto foreign soil?
The team will discuss alternatives to the Aegis Ashore plan, including enemy base strike capability, and draw up a proposal by the end of July.
JS Takanami returns to Japan from information-gathering in Middle East
The MSDF vessel was the first Japanese destroyer to conduct the research mission in the region to ensure sea lane safety.
Japan's GSDF to deploy first Ospreys to Camp Kisarazu in Chiba next month
The controverial tilt-rotor transport aircraft are being sent to Chiba after talks with fishermen in Saga Prefecture didn't go so well.
Japan certain to struggle in seeking alternative to Aegis Ashore
Relying on destroyers for the time being means they cannot be used for defense elsewhere, including the Nansei Islands chain covering Okinawa.
Japan weighs Aegis Ashore alternatives, including megafloat or deployment aboard destroyer
Special teams will work to whittle down options, with the government aiming to make a decision by this summer.
