Japan defense

Anti-air and anti-ship missiles will be sent to Ishigaki-jima in 2022.

Japan needs to urgently address key structural problems in order to build an export-driven defense industry.

Japan’s quest for an arms manufacturing industry is intimately linked with its self-perception as a “normal” power. How has it fared so far?

Recent decisions suggest Tokyo is fundamentally reconsidering how it engages with Washington on arms procurement.

If the deal is finalized as reports suggest, it would have strategic significance for Japan’s growing regional security role and for the bilateral relationship.

A recent trip spotlighted some of the ongoing defense activities in the maritime aspect of bilateral ties.

The Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARBD) is set up to conduct landing operations to retake Japanese territory.

Tokyo rolls out yet another activity as part of its increased regional defense engagement with Southeast Asia.

The subtle change is not without significance for both sides and the wider region.

Tokyo’s defense forces conducted their first drill outside of Japan alongside Asia’s largest multinational exercise.

A closer look at the significance of the signing of a new defense pact.