Japan and Asia’s Security in 2022

Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Forces Take to the Waves

The Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARBD) is set up to conduct landing operations to retake Japanese territory.

Japan's Military Has Some Serious Problems (As China's Military Gets Stronger)

Can Tokyo overcome some big challenges with Beijing increasing its own capabilities quickly?

Is Japan’s Army Ready for Battle?

Japanese cruise missiles and nuclear weapons are some way off. The more pressing issue is the battle-readiness of the SDF. For decades it was deemed legitimate only so long as it maintained the minimum necessary force to protect the nation. America shouldered the burden of Japan’s defence. For most people, the SDF’s primary role was in providing disaster relief. Military experts still consider it a hollow force. How would it perform if put to the test? 

Japan’s Defense Industry Continues to Grow. But is it in for Rough Seas?

Japan’s homegrown defense industry continues to secure significant amounts of contracts from the U.S. government, but concerns linger over the high level of spending on big-ticket items acquired via the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, and the outlook for Japan’s push into the global arms market remains cloudy.

How Capable are Japan’s Self-Defense Forces? Let’s Just Say, Hi-Tech

It is true that Japan’s Self-Defense Forces do not have autonomous defense capability against a major threat, especially one with a nuclear weapons capability. It is incorrect, however, to say that Japan’s SDF are incapable. To the contrary, Japan possesses a high technology anti-invasion, anti-submarine, and air defense capability. From 2001 to 2009 they operated professionally and impressively in the Indian Ocean, have contributed to and commanded anti-piracy patrols in the waters off Somalia and the horn of Africa. 

Married to the Army: Japanese Women Recruit Husbands from Self-Defense Forces

Women in Japan are increasingly interested in finding a future partner from the ranks of the SDF, apparently because the men are good at cooking, washing, cleaning and repairing things. The SDF’s public image also got a huge boost in the wake of the 2011 Tohoku disaster, where thousands of soldiers were dispatched to take part in rescue and recovery operations.

Japan to Raise Maximum Age for New Recruits to Boost Dwindling Military Ranks

Japan’s military plans to raise the maximum age for new recruits in a bid to cope with a shrinking pool of potential soldiers due to the country’s low birth rate and fast-ageing population.

Japan Aegis BMD (JFTM-1) Stellar Kiji Success, B-Roll

Japan Scraps X-2 “Shinshin” 5th Gen Stealth Fighter Jet Due to Budget

X-2 “Shinshin” Japanese Fifth Generation Fighter

Protecting our Peaceful Sky