Japan needs to adapt to new forms of warfare, including the growing use of drones and artificial intelligence in conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, while strengthening its defense industry, the government said Tuesday.
Japan has expanded its military capabilities and defense spending in recent years and has begun deploying long-range cruise missiles as a deterrent to China's growing military activity.
A 598-page defense white paper adopted by the Cabinet on Tuesday again identified China as Japan's biggest strategic challenge. Tokyo is increasingly concerned about the growing presence and frequency of Chinese warships operating in the Pacific.
The annual report reviews Japan's defense activities and priorities and assesses military trends in various countries. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government is seeking public support for increased defense spending and military expansion, with this year's report using a more accessible format, including a cartoon cover and links to video clips in Japanese, English and Chinese.
Combat drones for new warfare
Drawing lessons from Ukraine's extensive use of drones, Japan says adapting to what it calls "new ways of warfare" has become essential.
As countries race to develop combat drones, Japan is prioritizing their development for coastal defense, alongside the use of long-range missiles.
"Speed is key," Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said in early July.
The Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency recently selected four drone makers from 38 applicants under a rapid development program. The prototypes are expected to undergo testing by Japan's navy in early August before a final selection is made.
Several other Japanese companies are also working on similar systems. Toshiba said Friday that it plans to jointly develop combat drones with startup Pro Drone.
Uncrewed weapons could help Japan address a declining number of military personnel amid the country's shrinking population.
However, experts say developing fully domestic drones will be difficult because China's products dominate Japan's commercial drone market.
Concerns over China, Russia and North Korea
Japan has strengthened its military presence on southwestern islands in recent years and begun deploying long-range cruise missiles amid concerns over a possible conflict involving Taiwan, which China claims as its territory.
The defense paper highlighted the growing presence and frequency of Chinese warships in the Pacific as a major concern. The Defense Ministry has also created a dedicated unit to study Japan's Pacific strategy and strengthen defenses against China.
The paper said China has steadily increased military spending with limited transparency and has rapidly expanded its nuclear and missile capabilities.
It also referred to an incident last December when Chinese military aircraft locked their radar systems onto Japanese aircraft during Chinese carrier exercises near southwestern Japan, which Tokyo viewed as a possible step toward missile targeting.
In June, two Chinese aircraft carriers were spotted near Japan's southern island of Iwo Jima for the first time. The development raised concerns in Tokyo over China's expanding military activities far beyond its immediate waters and in disputed areas of the East China Sea.
Tensions between Japan and China have increased since Takaichi said in November that Chinese military action against Taiwan could justify Japan using force.
The paper also described China's growing joint military activities with Russia around Japan, including bomber flights and naval operations, as a "grave national security concern."
North Korea's rapid development of missiles, including hypersonic weapons, was described as an "increasingly serious and pressing threat." Its expanding military cooperation with Russia and support for Moscow's war in Ukraine were also cited as major concerns.
Strengthening defense industry and arms exports
Japan's defense paper said strengthening domestic arms production and military technology is essential to maintaining the country's defense capabilities.
The government has increased funding for startups and scientific research as part of efforts to develop its defense industry.
Although many established Japanese companies have traditionally avoided involvement in lethal weapons because of the country's post-World War II pacifist stance, a growing number of startups are exploring ways to adapt dual-use technologies for military purposes, officials said.
Japan's recent decision to ease restrictions on exports of lethal weapons could also help develop its relatively small defense industry.
Koizumi said transferring weapons technology and jointly developing and producing military equipment could strengthen both Japan's defense industrial base and its security ties with partner countries. His recent overseas trips have included discussions on arms sales.
Japan has already reached major defense agreements, including a deal with Australia to jointly develop and transfer 11 upgraded Mogami-class frigates. Tokyo is also discussing a similar arrangement with New Zealand and has agreed to sell retired destroyers to the Philippines.