TOKYO (AP) 鈥� Japan needs to adapt to the new methods of warfare like drones and used in Ukraine and the Middle East and strengthen its defense industry, the government said Tuesday.
Japan and spending in recent years and has started deploying long-range cruise missiles as a deterrence to China’s military activity.
The 598-page defense paper adopted by the Cabinet on Tuesday reiterated that China is Japan鈥檚 biggest strategic challenge. Japan is alarmed by the growing presence and frequency of
Combat drones for new warfare
Inspired by the use of Japan considers it is essential to adapt to 鈥渘ew ways of warfare,鈥� the paper said.
With many countries racing to develop combat drones, Japan’s government prioritizes development of its own for a coastal defense, in combination with long-range missiles.
鈥淪peed is key,鈥� Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said in early July.
The Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency recently selected four drone makers out of 38 applicants for a rapid development program and that they will advance to testing by Japan’s navy in early August before a final selection.
A number of companies are developing similar drones. Toshiba announced Friday plans to jointly develop combat drones with startup Pro Drone.
Uncrewed weapons could help Japan make up for its decreasing number of service members in a country with a shrinking population.
Experts say developing fully homemade drones while Japan鈥檚 commercial drone market is dominated by Chinese imports would be a challenge.
Alarmed by China鈥檚 activity in the Pacific, Russia and North Korea
Japan has strengthened its in recent years and has started deploying long-range cruise missiles, as it worries about a conflict in Taiwan, which .
The paper noted the growing presence Chinese warships and frequency of their activity in the Pacific as a major concern. The Defense Ministry has established a unit dedicated to study Japan鈥檚 Pacific strategy and strengthen its defense against China.
China has consistently increased its military spending without transparency and strengthened nuclear and missile capability extensively and rapidly, the defense paper said.
It noted that in last December , considered possible preparation for firing missiles, on Japanese planes during Chinese aircraft carrier drills near southwestern Japan.
were spotted last June near the southern Japanese island of Iwo Jima for the first time. This triggered Tokyo’s worries about Beijing鈥檚 rapidly expanding military activity far beyond its borders and in disputed areas in the East China Sea.
Tensions between Tokyo and Beijing have escalated since Takaichi that Chinese military action against Taiwan could justify Japan鈥檚 use of force.
China鈥檚 growing joint military operation with Russia around Japan, including joint bomber flights and warship operations, is also 鈥渁 grave national security concern,鈥� the paper said.
It says North Korea鈥檚 rapid development of missiles, including hypersonic arsenals, is an 鈥渋ncreasingly serious and pressing threat鈥� and that the North鈥檚 growing military ties with Russia and its backing for Moscow’s war in Ukraine are a grave concern.
Bolstering defense industry, weapons sale
Strengthening arms production and technology is essential to Japan’s military power, the paper said. The government has been expanding funding for startups and scientific research.
In a country that had maintained a pacifist pledge since the end of many established companies avoid ties to lethal weapons, but a growing number of startups are showing interest in converting for military use, officials say.
Japan鈥檚 recent scrapping of lethal weapons export ban could also help strengthen the country’s underdeveloped defense industry.
Weapons technology transfer and joint development and production strengthens both Japanese defense industry base and Japan’s ties with its defense partners, said Koizumi, whose travels to other countries have involved arms sales.
Japan recently made major deals, including the joint development and transfer of 11 upgraded Mogami-class frigates to Australia. It is discussing a similar deal with New Zealand and has struck a deal to sell retired destroyers to the Philippines.
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