Japan Coast Guard and JMSDF Planning to Use UAVs for Ocean Surveillance
On October 29, 2020, the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) demonstrated the General Atomics' MQ-9B SeaGuardian capabilities to local media...
MHI Just Launched the First of the New Taigei-class Submarines for JMSDF
Japan's newest submarine “Taigei” (previously known as 29SS) was launched today at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) shipyard in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture.
Japan’s MoD Issues Largest Ever Defense Budget Request
The budget request calls for (1) addressing electronic warfare, cyber warfare, and the use of ...
Japan’s Ruling Party Submits Proposal to Japanese Government on Future of Missile Defense
On August 4, 2020, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received the recommendations report of the "Missile Defense Study Team" of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) which is Japan's ruling party.
Japan Considering Offensive Capability as Part of Future Missile Defense Options
Following the recent stop to the Aegis Ashore missile defense system deployment in Japan, Prime Minister Shinzō Abe's party is looking at possible alternatives. Options include additional Aegis destroyers, armed mega floats and even offensive conventional strike capability. Yoshihiro Inaba has the details and explains why the third option would be a major change for Japan's defense policy.
Here is the Philippine Coast Guard Future Patrol Vessel Under Construction in Japan
On June 3, 2020, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) released computer generated images (CGI) of the Multi-Role Response Vessel (MRRV), which is under construction by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding. Acquisition of MRRV is part of the second phase of the joint Japanese-Philippine Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP), which was signed on February 7, 2020.
Japan’s Aegis Ashore: A Tale of Two SPYs
The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD) announced this week its intention to halt deployment of the Aegis Ashore missile defense system citing difficulties in ensuring that rocket boosters from the interceptors do not fall in populated areas. The real reason may actually have to do with the radar system, namely SPY-6 and SPY-7. Yoshihiro Inaba has the story.
JMSDF to Put its Latest Aegis Destroyer JS Maya through its Paces
According to a document released by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), the Guided Missile Destroyer JS Maya (DDG-179)「まや」 and her crew will undergo a "capability test".
Japan’s ATLA Developing Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile
Japan's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) started developing a hypersonic guided missile able to attack both ships or ground targets. The missile, qualified as "game changer" by the Japanese Ministry of Defense's agency, will use scramjet engine technology for propulsion.
Japan to develop and deploy Supersonic Glide Weapons that can target ships
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) plans to deploy a Hyper-Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) in fiscal year 2026 as a new weapon to repel enemies that invade Japan's remote islands, from a safe distance. This HVGP could even target large surface ships such as aircraft carriers.