Key facts
- Japan's defense paper highlights the need to adapt to new warfare methods like drones and AI.
- The government prioritizes developing indigenous combat drones for coastal defense.
- Tensions with China, North Korea, and Russia are cited as key drivers for defense strengthening.
- Japan has selected drone makers for a rapid development program and plans navy testing.
- The nation is bolstering its defense industry, including through recent export ban changes and international deals.
Japan's government has declared that adapting to new warfare methods, such as the combat drones and artificial intelligence seen in conflicts like the one in Ukraine, is essential. The nation is prioritizing the development of its own drones for coastal defense, alongside long-range missiles, as it faces escalating tensions with China, North Korea, and Russia.
A 598-page defense paper adopted by the Cabinet on Tuesday reiterates that China represents Japan's most significant strategic challenge. Japan is particularly alarmed by the increasing presence and frequency of Chinese warships in the Pacific Ocean and has bolstered its military capabilities and spending in recent years.
The paper notes that many countries are developing combat drones, and Japan aims for speed in its own development. The Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency has selected four drone makers from 38 applicants for a rapid development program, with testing by the navy scheduled for early August. Toshiba announced plans to jointly develop combat drones with startup Pro Drone.
Alarmed by China's activities in the Pacific, as well as by Russia and North Korea, Japan has strengthened its military on southwestern islands and is deploying long-range cruise missiles, driven by concerns over a potential conflict in Taiwan. The defense paper highlighted China's lack of transparency in military spending and its rapid expansion of nuclear and missile capabilities. It also mentioned an incident where Chinese aircraft locked their radars on Japanese planes during carrier drills.
Further concerns were raised by the sighting of two Chinese aircraft carriers near Iwo Jima, signaling Beijing's expanding military reach. Tensions have risen since a Japanese official suggested that Chinese military action against Taiwan could justify Japan's use of force. Joint military operations between China and Russia, including bomber and warship exercises, are also viewed as a grave national security concern. North Korea's rapid development of missiles and its growing military ties with Russia are described as an "increasingly serious and pressing threat."
To bolster its defense capabilities, Japan is also strengthening its arms production and technology sector, expanding funding for startups and research. Despite a post-World War II pacifist stance, a growing number of startups are showing interest in converting dual-use technology for military purposes. Japan's recent decision to ease its ban on lethal weapons exports is expected to aid its underdeveloped defense industry, facilitating technology transfer and joint development with defense partners.
Japan has recently engaged in significant defense deals, including the joint development and transfer of frigates to Australia and discussions for a similar arrangement with New Zealand. The country has also agreed to sell retired destroyers to the Philippines.