Japan’s defense budget has grown significantly in recent years. This September, Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced a $51.9 billion draft budget, well above the $44.8 billion of 2014 and even… Continue reading "JSDF Facing Serious Challenges in Recruitment"
The second and final ship of Japan’s Maya-class Missile Defense Destroyers has begun its sea trials after which it will be officially commissioned into the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force.… Continue reading "New Japanese Missile Defense Destroyer JS Haguro (DDG-180) Begins Sea Trials"
On 6 November, Kawasaki Heavy Industries launched the Tōryū diesel-electric attack submarine (SSK), pennant number SS-512, at a ceremony held at Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ Kobe Works shipyard. The ceremony was… Continue reading "Kawasaki Heavy Industries Launches Tōryū SSK"
Japan launched its second Maya-class guided missile destroyer, JS Haguro (DDG-180), on 17 July in a ceremony in Yokohama City. The 170-meter (558 foot), 8,200 metric tonne destroyer was constructed… Continue reading "New Japanese Aegis Destroyer JS Haguro Launched"