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SDF

JAPAN
Oct 28, 2019
Japan calls up SDF reserves for first time since 3/11 for Typhoon Hagibis disaster relief
The recovery efforts are expected to take a long time.
EDITORIALS
Oct 25, 2019
Japan steps up for Middle East security
Japan should do what it can to promote peace, but it should also not be deterred from protecting its national interests.
JAPAN
Oct 24, 2019
Japan’s MSDF and Chinese Navy hold first joint military drills in eight years
The Maritime Self-Defense Force has conducted “goodwill exercises” with the Chinese Navy for the first time in eight years, the MSDF has said in a statement.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 18, 2019
Japan’s SDF to head for Mideast waters, but Tokyo steers clear of U.S.-led coalition
Self-Defense Forces ships and planes will patrol the Gulf of Oman and other areas but avoid the U.S.-led coalition protecting shipping interests in the strategic waters.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Oct 17, 2019
Taro Kono: A different kind of defense minister
For the first time ever, the Defense Ministery is headed by a prime minister-ready politician.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Oct 10, 2019
Japan’s not hedging with Australia security ties
Once willing to let others take the lead in foreign policy and defense, Japan is now employing a comprehensive security strategy.
JAPAN
Oct 9, 2019
ASDF holds PAC-3 missile defense drill in Tokyo after spate of North Korean launches
The Air Self-Defense Force carried out a quick deployment drill for its Patriot Advanced Capability-3, or PAC-3, missile interceptors in Tokyo on Wednesday, in order to maintain readiness for missile defense operations.
JAPAN
Sep 24, 2019
Japan eyes hike in starting pay for SDF members as recruitment numbers falter
The Defense Ministry is considering an increase to the starting pay for Self-Defense Forces members from fiscal 2020, which begins in April next year, according to sources.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Sep 20, 2019
Can the SDF age gracefully?
Japan’s shrinking population and its aging society is making recruiting an increasingly serious challenge.
JAPAN
Sep 18, 2019
U.S. eager to spur military tech as China innovates, but Japan industry in ‘lukewarm environment’
The United States is eager to spur innovation in its defense industry at a time when China is investing in advanced technologies including fifth-generation, or 5G, high-speed communications equipment, artificial intelligence systems and hypersonic weapons.
JAPAN
Sep 15, 2019
Defense Ministry to set up electronic warfare unit in Kumamoto Prefecture
As part of an effort to strengthen the defense of outlying islands, the Defense Ministry plans to set up an electronic warfare unit at Camp Kengun, operated by the Ground Self-Defense Force’s Western Army in Kumamoto Prefecture.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 3, 2019
Japan won’t join U.S.-led maritime coalition but may send MSDF to gulf separately, report claims
Japan will not join a U.S.-led security mission to protect merchant vessels passing through key Middle Eastern waterways, but will consider deploying its naval force independently, the Yomiuri newspaper reported Tuesday.
JAPAN / FOCUS
Sep 2, 2019
Japan plan to buy cutting-edge U.S. tankers and transport planes comes under fire from SDF official
The government is stepping up purchases of state-of-the-art U.S. military planes under Washington’s foreign military sales (FMS) program, but its plan has come under fire from some corners — including Self-Defense Force officials.
JAPAN
Aug 28, 2019
Japan’s Defense Ministry to redo surveys for Aegis Ashore deployment after flawed data revealed
The Defense Ministry presented a detailed plan on Wednesday for new surveys at candidate sites for the deployment of the Aegis Ashore land-based missile defense system.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Aug 25, 2019
The U.S. wants Japan’s help to close its ‘missile gap’ with China. Is Tokyo up for it?
After formally withdrawing from a landmark arms-control treaty earlier this month, the United States now hopes it can better counter its geopolitical rival China by closing what experts characterize as a yawning “missile gap” with Beijing — and it may look to Japan for help.
JAPAN
Aug 23, 2019
U.S. F-35Bs may conduct takeoff and landing drills on Japan’s renovated Izumo carriers
The U.S. military’s F-35B fighter jets could use Izumo-class ships for training exercises after the Japanese vessels are renovated to be able to host such aircraft, Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya said Thursday.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 22, 2019
On Iran, Japan faces a difficult decision
Tokyo is being pulled in several different directions when considering whether to join a U.S.-led coalition in the Strait of Hormuz.
Japan Times
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Aug 21, 2019
Australia’s decision to join U.S.-led maritime mission off Iran likely to heighten pressure on Japan
Australia’s prime minister announced his country will join the U.S.-led mission to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions with Iran, albeit under Australia’s operational control.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 17, 2019
Japan formally announces decision to buy F-35B stealth fighter jets from U.S.
The Defense Ministry has formally announced the selection of the U.S.-made F-35B cutting-edge stealth fighter jet as part of its plan to acquire short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Aug 5, 2019
The danger in Abe’s constitutional amendment proposal
If there is to be any amendment to the Constitution, the substance of the Abe Cabinet’s 2014 reinterpretation of Article 9 to allow collective self-defense should be made part of the proposal or withdrawn entirely.

Longform

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