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Asia Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- Asia Times
Japan flexes military muscle at biggest-ever defense expo
This year's Japan's Defense Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition and conference, held from May 21-23 at Makuhari Messe near Tokyo, was the largest ever, attracting 471 companies, 169 from Japan and 302 from the US, the UK and 30 other countries. Reflecting the rapid advance of Japan's arms industry and the country's growing contribution to regional security and international military cooperation, this year's event was about 60% larger than last year's and about twice the size of the one held in 2023. A year ago, US Forces Japan Strategic Relations Officer Tim Haffner noted that 'DSEI brought industry, policy, and strategic leaders together in a collaborative forum to discuss regional security issues for the first time in Japan. This was a pivotal event, signaling Japan as a leader in defense technology and security partnership.' This year's turnout demonstrates that it most certainly was. Billed as 'the only large-scale, fully integrated defense event in the country,' the exhibition featured a very wide range of defense products, from ammunition and armored vehicles to communications and target identification systems, field medical supplies, and small, medium and heavy caliber weapons. Models of Japan's Mogami warship, underwater drones, railgun and Type-12 missiles attracted a lot of attention, as did the GCAP (Global Combat Air Program) next-generation fighter jet being developed by Japan, the UK and Italy. For Japan's Ministry of Defence and defense industry, it was an unprecedented marketing opportunity. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visited and spoke at the exhibition, the first sitting Japanese prime minister to do so. 'We are currently facing the most severe and complex security environment since the end of the Second World War,' he said. 'Today's Ukraine could be East Asia tomorrow.' Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani, who delivered a keynote address at the conference, said that he hoped the event would 'provide a new opportunity for cooperation and exchange between national delegations and companies, help sustain defense industry development, drive innovation and promote peace and stability.' Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) executive Katsuyuki Nabeta told the press that, 'With today's increasingly uncertain security environment, I believe we must respond not just domestically, but with a broader international perspective. We are pleased to have the opportunity to showcase our technologies and reach a wider audience.' MHI is the prime contractor for Mogami-class frigates and the leading Japanese company in the GCAP project. BAE Systems and Leonardo are its British and Italian counterparts. The conference, which also ran for three days, also included presentations by senior defense officials, ambassadors and defense industry executives from Japan, the US, the UK, Italy, Germany, Australia and Singapore. They addressed the issues of maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific, keeping pace with emerging threats, developing new technologies, strengthening the defense industrial base and enhancing defense industry cooperation, cybersecurity, the use of AI to improve decision-making on the battlefield and expanding surveillance capabilities in space. One section of the conference was dedicated to the progress of the GCAP and related supply chain opportunities. Senior executives from the GCAP Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency and International Government Organization, Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co (the umbrella organization for Japanese participation in the project), BAE Systems and Leonardo spoke on this topic, demonstrating its importance. In an article entitled 'Doubts about Trump hang in background of weapons show,' Japan's Asahi Shimbun reported that an unnamed Japanese Defense Ministry source had said that 'Trump's unpredictability has created unease about relying on US-made weapons and security arrangements,' and that 'European countries in particular are beginning to seek security that does not depend on the United States, and they are likely to move away from the US in arms trading.' Speaking at the event, the German ambassador to Japan, Petra Sigmund, said that, 'Germany is increasingly looking to Japan as an arms provider, whom we can trust as a co-developer with similar strengths and similar needs. Also, as a potential procurement partner, in order to be able to scale up production to cut time and to reduce cost.' Sigmund added that Germany is particularly eager to collaborate in the development of 'unmanned systems, drones, stand-off weapons, missiles, air defense, cyberspace, as well as maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.' He also noted that, 'Since 2021, Germany has gradually increased its security engagement here in the [Indo-Pacific] region. We have sent naval vessels, participated in multinational naval and air force exercises both in Japan, Australia and in India.' Professor Mohd Faiz Abdullah, chairman of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies of Malaysia, provided a different perspective. The great powers, he said, are conducting 'minilaterals,'which they claim are for 'global governance, but it's about containment really,' and 'not conducive to peace and stability.' The world, Abdullah concluded, is entering a period of 'unfettered competition…where a lot of parties are going for the killing zone.' But Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes, Deputy Commander of UK Strategic Command, stated that, 'We must move beyond transactional relationships between defense and industry… We need to redraw the boundaries of national security… We now live in what we could describe as a state of persistent competition, punctuated by episodic crises, and under the constant shadow of potential major conflict… we must innovate together, or we will lose together.' Meanwhile, on May 21, a symposium on the topic of Japan's defense industry was held at the Global Front conference facility at Meiji University in Tokyo. Led by military historian Professor Atsushi Koketsu, the symposium featured an address by Professor Christopher Hughes of the University of Warwick, UK, on the topic 'Japan's Defence Industrial Strategy and Fighter Aircraft Production: Striving for Tier-One Status.' Starting with the observation that Japan has previously been seen as an exemplary model of a non-great power able to indigenize defence technology, Hughes stated that it clearly maintains this ambition. Despite anti-militaristic constraints, including Article 9 of its Constitution, which renounces 'war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes,' post-WWII limits on weapons production and arms export bans, Japan has consistently maintained the following rationales for defense production: Deterrence capabilities and specific defense needs Bargaining power in its alliance with the US and internationally Self-sufficiency and ability to respond to national emergencies Industrial policy through dual-use technology Hughes emphasized that Japanese policymakers use 'techno-nationalism' to avoid second-tier status. At the same time, Japan limited its defense budget by embedding the defense sector into its civilian sector. This allowed it to avoid the creation of a military-industrial complex, but also led to fragmentation, inefficiency and low profitability, while export restrictions cut off access to international cooperation and markets. Serious attempts to rectify these defects began with the adoption of 'Three Principles on Defense Equipment Transfers' under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2014. These allowed arms transfers if they contributed to 'the active promotion of peace, international cooperation, or Japan's security,' provided they were not destined for countries involved in conflict, with onward shipment to third parties subject to Japanese government control. The next big step in Japan's military reform came in December 2022, when the cabinet of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida approved a new National Security Strategy. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcement noted that 'the very foundation of the international order is being shaken and the world stands at a historic crossroads… [with Japan] finding itself in the midst of the most severe and complex security environment since the end of WWII…' The new National Security Strategy was accompanied by two other documents, the National Defense Strategy and the Defense Buildup Program. The latter includes building up the capabilities of Japan's Self-Defense Forces in the areas of stand-off defense, integrated air and missile defense, unmanned defense and cross-domain capabilities, including ground, maritime, air, space, cyber and electromagnetic operations. The Japanese government also committed itself to raising the defense budget from 1% to 2% of GDP by 2027, increased weapons systems procurement as a percentage of the budget, raised profit margins on defense contracts to stop private companies from abandoning the sector and stepped up defense cooperation with Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia. Freed from previous limits, Japanese defense contractors began to actively pursue export contracts, some small – e.g., patrol boats for the Philippines and Vietnam – and some large. An attempt to sell Soryu-class submarines to Australia fell through. Attempts to sell Mogami-class frigates to Australia and Indonesia are underway. Hughes also put considerable emphasis on GCAP, noting that it is an equal partnership with full technology sharing and 'freedom to modify.' While others have expressed doubts, he believes that the British government is committed to the project, a view that received support at the Japan-Italy-UK leaders meeting last November. Hughes has been pursuing the subject for a long time. More than 20 years ago, he published 'Japan's Re-emergence as a 'Normal' Military Power?' while his latest book is entitled 'Japan as a Global Military Power: New Capabilities, Alliance Integration, Bilateralism-Plus.' Follow this writer on X: @ScottFo83517667
NHK
14-05-2025
- General
- NHK
Flammable devices dropped from US Marine helicopter in Okinawa
A bag containing flammable devices fell from a US Marine helicopter flying over Okinawa Prefecture in southern Japan on Tuesday. No injuries or damage have been reported so far. The Okinawa Defense Bureau said it was told by the US Forces Japan that the incident occurred in the Motobu Peninsula in the northern part of the prefecture at about 4 p.m. on Tuesday. The bag, weighing about 18 kilograms, fell from the helicopter deployed at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, also in the prefecture. The bureau said as of midnight Wednesday, no injuries or damage had been reported. It added that the bag itself has yet to be recovered. It said the bag is about 90 centimeters long, 30 centimeters wide and contained signal flares, a type of pyrotechnics. The bureau is calling on anyone who finds the bag to report it immediately, warning that it should not be touched as the devices inside could catch fire.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US sets up ‘war-fighting HQ' in Japan for possible China conflict
The US will set up a 'war-fighting headquarters' in Japan to prepare for a possible conflict with China. Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, said on Sunday that US troops in Japan would be reorganised to 'keep the enemy guessing' and create 'strategic dilemmas' for China. He said the upgrade, first announced by the Biden administration, would help US Forces Japan co-ordinate better with local troops, amid fears China might invade Taiwan. 'Peace through strength with America in the lead is back,' Mr Hegseth said at a joint press conference with Gen Nakatani, his Japanese counterpart, in Tokyo on Sunday. 'Japan is our indispensable partner in deterring Communist Chinese military aggression,' he said as he opened the event. Mr Hegseth continued: 'Soon, we will add additional personnel in Tokyo and at US Forces Japan headquarters to conduct activities that will strengthen our bilateral bonds and deepen our operational co-operation.' 'This also means reorganising US Forces Japan into a war-fighting headquarters, increasing its staff and giving its commander the authorities needed to accomplish new missions.' He added: 'As I mentioned in our meeting, America and Japan, we seek peace. But as my first platoon motto says: 'Those who long for peace must prepare for war.'' Japan has been concerned about how US engagement in the region might change under Donald Trump's 'America First' policy, Japanese defence officials said. Mr Trump has threatened to impose trade tariffs on Japan, a key US ally, contributing to concern in Tokyo. The two allies agreed to accelerate plans to jointly develop and produce missiles – such as advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles – and to consider producing SM-6 surface-to-air missiles to help ease a shortage of munitions, Mr Nakatani said. The ministers also agreed to speed up the maintenance of US warships and warplanes in Japan to strengthen and complement Japanese and US defence industries. Japan is home to more than 50,000 US troops. Tokyo and Washington first decided to upgrade their command and control, and that of the Japanese military who work alongside them, last July. Last week, Tokyo launched Japan Joint Operations Command to co-ordinate Japanese ground, maritime and air self-defence forces, in a significant move to strengthen capabilities, respond to contingencies and better co-operate with the US. Mr Hegseth and Mr Nakatani also said they agreed on the need to improve Japan's defence posture in its south-western islands, which are in critical locations along disputed areas in the East China Sea and near Taiwan, to further step up deterrence against China. The US defence secretary stressed the need to have 'sustaining, robust, ready and credible deterrence' in the Indo-Pacific, including across the Taiwan Strait, as 'Japan would be on the front lines of any contingency we might face in the western Pacific'. China claims Taiwan as its own territory. The US is obligated under a 1979 law to provide Taiwan with sufficient military hardware and technology to deter invasion, and its arm sales to Taiwan have always drawn strong opposition from Beijing. On Saturday, Mr Hegseth joined the US-Japan joint memorial to honour the war dead of the Battle of Iwo Jima as they marked the 80th anniversary of the end of one of the fiercest clashes of the Second World War. Before landing in Japan, Mr Hegseth stopped in the Philippines, where he reiterated Mr Trump's commitment to step up ties with the country, which faces maritime disputes with China. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
31-03-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
US sets up ‘war-fighting HQ' in Japan for possible China conflict
The US will set up a 'war-fighting headquarters' in Japan to prepare for a possible conflict with China. Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, said on Sunday that US troops in Japan would be reorganised to 'keep the enemy guessing' and create 'strategic dilemmas' for China. He said the upgrade, first announced by the Biden administration, would help US Forces Japan co-ordinate better with local troops, amid fears China might invade Taiwan. 'Peace through strength with America in the lead is back,' Mr Hegseth said at a joint press conference with Gen Nakatani, his Japanese counterpart, in Tokyo on Sunday. 'Japan is our indispensable partner in deterring Communist Chinese military aggression,' he said as he opened the event. Mr Hegseth continued: 'Soon, we will add additional personnel in Tokyo and at US Forces Japan headquarters to conduct activities that will strengthen our bilateral bonds and deepen our operational co-operation.' 'This also means reorganising US Forces Japan into a war-fighting headquarters, increasing its staff and giving its commander the authorities needed to accomplish new missions.' He added: 'As I mentioned in our meeting, America and Japan, we seek peace. But as my first platoon motto says: 'Those who long for peace must prepare for war.'' Japan has been concerned about how US engagement in the region might change under Donald Trump's 'America First' policy, Japanese defence officials said. Mr Trump has threatened to impose trade tariffs on Japan, a key US ally, contributing to concern in Tokyo. The two allies agreed to accelerate plans to jointly develop and produce missiles – such as advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles – and to consider producing SM-6 surface-to-air missiles to help ease a shortage of munitions, Mr Nakatani said. The ministers also agreed to speed up the maintenance of US warships and warplanes in Japan to strengthen and complement Japanese and US defence industries. Japan is home to more than 50,000 US troops. Tokyo and Washington first decided to upgrade their command and control, and that of the Japanese military who work alongside them, last July. Last week, Tokyo launched Japan Joint Operations Command to co-ordinate Japanese ground, maritime and air self-defence forces, in a significant move to strengthen capabilities, respond to contingencies and better co-operate with the US. Mr Hegseth and Mr Nakatani also said they agreed on the need to improve Japan's defence posture in its south-western islands, which are in critical locations along disputed areas in the East China Sea and near Taiwan, to further step up deterrence against China. The US defence secretary stressed the need to have 'sustaining, robust, ready and credible deterrence' in the Indo-Pacific, including across the Taiwan Strait, as 'Japan would be on the front lines of any contingency we might face in the western Pacific '. China claims Taiwan as its own territory. The US is obligated under a 1979 law to provide Taiwan with sufficient military hardware and technology to deter invasion, and its arm sales to Taiwan have always drawn strong opposition from Beijing. On Saturday, Mr Hegseth joined the US-Japan joint memorial to honour the war dead of the Battle of Iwo Jima as they marked the 80th anniversary of the end of one of the fiercest clashes of the Second World War. Before landing in Japan, Mr Hegseth stopped in the Philippines, where he reiterated Mr Trump's commitment to step up ties with the country, which faces maritime disputes with China.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US defence secretary praises ‘indispensable partner' Japan
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has called Japan an 'indispensable partner' in deterring growing Chinese assertiveness in the region. Mr Hegseth announced upgrading the US military command in Japan to a new 'war-fighting headquarters'. On his first Asia trip with Japan as his second stop, Mr Hegseth also stressed the need for both countries to do more to accelerate the strengthening of their military capability as the region faces China's assertive military actions and a possible Taiwan emergency. 'Japan is our indispensable partner in deterring communist Chinese military aggression,' Mr Hegseth said at the beginning of his talks with Japan's defence minister Gen Nakatani in Tokyo. 'The US is moving fast, as you know, to re-establish deterrence in this region and around the world.' His comments come as an assurance at a time when Japan has been worried about how US engagement in the region may change under President Donald Trump's 'America First' policy, Japanese defence officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Mr Trump has also threatened to impose trade tariffs on Japan, a key US ally, sparking more concern. The two sides agreed to accelerate plans to jointly develop and produce missiles such as advanced medium-range air to air missiles (MRAAM) and consider producing SM-6 surface-to-air missiles, to help ease a shortage of munitions, Mr Nakatani said. The ministers also agreed to speed up the process involving the maintenance of US warships and warplanes in Japan to strengthen and complement Japanese and US defence industries. Japan and the US decided in July to upgrade the command and control of the Japanese military as well as US forces in the east Asian country, under the Biden administration, a major structural change aimed at bolstering joint operational and response capabilities. Japan is home to more than 50,000 US troops. Tokyo last week launched the Japan joint operations command (JJOC), whose mission is to co-ordinate Japanese ground, maritime and air self-defence forces, in a significant action to further strengthen capabilities to respond to contingencies and better co-operate with the US. Mr Hegseth announced on Sunday the upgrading of its current command, US Forces Japan, by placing a unified operational commander to function as a joint force headquarters to liaise with its Japanese counterpart to serve as 'war-fighting headquarters' to bolster speed and capability of their troops' joint operations. The Pentagon chief said the reorganisation of US troops is a step to better prepare for a possible conflict. America and Japan both work for peace, but 'we must be prepared,' he said. Japanese defence officials say they are not expecting a significant change in their responsibilities or an increase in US troops in Japan. Mr Hegseth and Mr Nakatani told a joint news conference they have also agreed on the need to beef up Japan's defence posture on the Southwestern islands, which are in critical locations along the disputed areas in the East China Sea and near Taiwan to further step up deterrence against China. He stressed the need to have 'sustaining, robust, ready and credible deterrence' in the Indo-Pacific, including across the Taiwan Strait, as 'Japan would be on the front lines of any contingency we might face in the western Pacific'. China claims Taiwan as its own territory. The US is obligated under a 1979 law to provide Taiwan with sufficient military hardware and technology to deter invasion, and its arm sales to Taiwan have always drawn strong opposition from Beijing. On Saturday, he joined the US-Japan joint memorial to honour the war dead in the Battle of Iwo Jima as they marked the 80th anniversary of the end of one of the fiercest battles of the Second World War, praising the strong alliance between the former enemies. Before landing in Japan, Mr Hegseth stopped in the Philippines, where he also ensured Mr Trump's commitment to step up ties with the south-east Asian country that faces maritime disputes with Beijing.
