Japan

Super carriers, smaller carriers rise across the Indo-Pacific

Amid debate over aircraft carriers' vulnerability, analysts told Breaking Defense global interest is strong.

Japanese defense minister welcomes Australian frigate decision, but analysts warn risks remain

“Japan and Australia are special strategic partners, and this was a major step toward further enhancing security cooperation with Australia,” said Gen Nakatani, Japanese defense minister.

Australia selects Japan’s Mogami frigate in $6.5B deal

The deal, for 11 frigates, represents the first major arms sale for Japan since World War II.

Criticism, questions mount about AUKUS & US relations in Australia

"As the geopolitical landscape rapidly shifts, half the population (51%) say Australia should increase defence spending, while a minority (37%) say spending should remain at about the same level as now. Majority support for acquiring nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS has held firm (67%)," a Lowy Institute poll on national security issue found last month.

UK reveals future fighter demonstrator design, advances GCAP tech de-risking

An artist rendering of the demonstrator, set to fly for the first time in 2027, showcases a design complete with a single cockpit, twin engine, canted twin tail and delta wing blueprint.

Japan’s Mogami offer, including IP rights, could be model for Tokyo’s future exports

Sharing MHI's IP with Australia and other measures "goes to show how serious Japan are and how this is a whole of defense (industry & government) effort from Japan," Peter Dean at the US Studies Center said. "They are seeing this as a long-term strategic partnership not just a short-term commercial sale, and that is the best way for them to position themselves to be as competitive as they can be."

Lockheed delivers first SPY-7 radar antennas to Japan

Japan plans to commission its two Aegis System Equipped Vessels in 2027 and 2028.

Japan’s government pushes hard to woo Aussies with advanced frigate

“We the Japanese government will guarantee that the whole project, and all the contracts will go smoothly so that there will not be any delay to the project,” Osamu Nishiwaki, a top official at Japan's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA), told reporters.

Sending two carrier groups through First Island Chain shows China’s ‘growing capability’: Analysts

How should the US and its regional allies respond? "Muscle up. Partner up. And brace for impact," one analyst said.

Allies are more than customers of America’s defense industrial base. They can help rebuild it.

Allies like Australia, India, Japan and South Korea are willing not only to buy American defense capabilities, but help build them as well, writes Tom Corben in this op-ed.

The sights of DSEI Japan

A selection of images from on the ground at DSEI Japan.

New jet trainer in the cards as Japan seeks training fleet refresh

Japan’s search for a new trainer aircraft has meant that companies were keen to display their trainer aircraft solutions at DSEI Japan.

Japanese firms view GCAP as opportunity to develop skills, international supply chain

Execs and officials hope that GCAP can open doors for Japan's defense industrial base to expand.

Japan Steel Works to begin local production of Patria AMV in September

Patria's wheeled vehicle was selected by Japan in 2022 to replace the Type 96 wheeled armored personnel carrier that is in service with the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF).