Japan prioritises combat drones as China tensions reshape defence strategy
However, experts caution that developing indigenous combat drones will be challenging as Japan's commercial drone market remains heavily dependent on Chinese manufacturers. The white paper expresses growing. . .
However, experts caution that developing indigenous combat drones will be challenging as Japan's commercial drone market remains heavily dependent on Chinese manufacturers. The white paper expresses growing concern over China's expanding military footprint in the Pacific, describing Beijing's activities as increasingly assertive. It cites the growing deployment of Chinese warships beyond the first island chain, expanded nuclear and missile capabilities, and joint military operations with Russia as major security concerns. The report also refers to an incident in December in which Chinese military aircraft allegedly locked fire-control radar onto Japanese aircraft during drills involving a Chinese aircraft carrier near southwestern Japan. It also highlights the unprecedented deployment of two Chinese aircraft carriers near Japan's southern island of Iwo Jima in June, describing it as another sign of China's expanding military reach. Japan has continued strengthening military infrastructure on its southwestern islands amid concerns that any conflict over Taiwan could directly affect its security. The paper also describes North Korea's rapidly advancing missile programme, including hypersonic weapons, as an "increasingly serious and pressing threat". It warns that military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, particularly North Korea's support for Russia's war in Ukraine, poses an additional regional security challenge. The government also pledged greater investment in Japan's defence industrial base, including support for startups, defence technology and scientific research. Officials hope recent relaxation of Japan's long-standing restrictions on arms exports will boost domestic defence manufacturing and deepen security partnerships with allies. Japan recently agreed to jointly develop and supply 11 upgraded Mogami-class frigates to Australia, is in talks on a similar arrangement with New Zealand, and has reached an agreement to transfer retired destroyers to the Philippines.