Two Future Multi-Mission Frigates (FFM or 30FFM) are starting to take shape at two shipyards in Japan. Images and videos obtained by Naval News from local shipspotters show the integrated mast has been fitted. Both hulls should be ready for launch before the end of the year.
The Japanese Ministry of Defence (MoD) released last month its 2020 "Defense Of Japan" annual white paper. The document provides an overview of the security environment surrounding Japan, outlines Japan's security and defence policy and details the equipment and programs that will be funded
A USAF B-1B bomber from Guam conducted joint missions with Japanese F-2s & F-15s and with the USS Reagan Carrier Strike Group on Aug 7 in the IndoPacific region to improve interoperability & readiness.
The Vietnamese government signed an agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on July 28 to finance a project to build six patrol vessels for the Vietnamese Coast Guard (VCG). The vessels, based on the Aso-class of the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) will be built in Japan.
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.
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.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), Australian Defense Force (ADF), and the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group began a trilateral exercise in the Philippine Sea, July 19.
Bell Boeing delivered the first V-22 Osprey to Camp Kisarazu in Japan on July 10. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) is the first operator of the V-22 outside of the U.S. military.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense intentionally released a photo showing ATLA's Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile this week.
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.
