JSDF

The new command, which has the authority to unify all three JSDF branches, is set to be launched on March 24.

Tokyo wants long-range strike assets, but these demand the support of a robust intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance architecture.

Japan's defense build-up, including pursuit of a counter-strike capability, continues to require record-setting funds.

The Sasakawa Peace Foundation will resume arranging JSDF and PLA exchanges in July, the latest development in 20 years of on-again/off-again visits.

The missiles, to be deployed on Aegis-equipped destroyers, will add to Japan’s counterstrike capability. 

For all the focus on rising budgets and offensive strike capabilities, a far more mundane concern is posing a dire threat to Japan’s security.

The Japanese defense ministry estimates that Tokyo will need to spend 48 trillion yen on defense over the next five years if it wants to achieve its security goals.

The Japan-U.S. alliance has made steady and incremental progress toward preparing for future crises and contingencies. More needs to be done.

Amid growing threats in East Asia, the Japanese cabinet approved a record extra budget for defense appropriations.

It is difficult to imagine that Japanese leadership would not use offensive weapons if Tokyo believed an attack was imminent.

With both militaries having to fight the pandemic alongside their existing operations, how can the U.S. and Japan keep deterrence robust?

The interaction reinforced the ongoing activity in the security aspect of the strategic partnership.