On September 25, the Japanese Destroyer JS Sazanami (DD-113) sailed through the Taiwan Strait as part of a freedom of navigation operation (FONOP). It’s a historic moment for Japan and… Continue reading "First Time in Its History, Japan Sends Warship Through the Taiwan Strait"
Japan’s pacifism has been seen by many in Japan as a core element of the postwar Japanese identity. At the center of that is Article 9 of the constitution: “Aspiring… Continue reading "The JSDF and Article 9: From the Cold War to the Present"
On Wednesday 14 June 2023, at around 9:10 AM local time, a shooting occurred at Hino basic firing range in Gifu City, Japan (which is located just North of Nagoya).… Continue reading "2 Killed in Shooting at Japanese Military Shooting Range"
Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) showcased the Japan Ground Self Defense Force’s (JGSDF) latest standard-issue rifle, the Type 20 Howa at the DSEI Japan expo held in Chiba… Continue reading "DSEI Japan 2023: JGSDF’s New Howa Type 20 Rifle on Display"
A new Japanese government poll of adult opinion showed the highest level of support for JSDF expansion since the Cabinet Office began collecting data on public support for the measure… Continue reading "Japanese Polling Data Shows Record Levels of Support for JSDF and US Alliance"
According to a draft document obtained by Japanese media outlet Kyodo News, Japan may be deliberating major increases to the presence of JSDF missile defense units deployed in the Nansei… Continue reading "Japan May Triple Missile Defense Forces Around Okinawa and Double Okinawa-based Infantry Forces"
News on the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ intent to participate in exercises in Japan as well as the deployment of the U.S. Army’s new Multi-Domain Task Force to joint… Continue reading "AUSA 2022: Philippines to Enhance Military Cooperation with US, Japan in 2023 via Exercises"
According to a recent government announcement, the Japanese Ministry of Defense will stop accepting military students from Myanmar for its training program from the 2023 fiscal year onward. Japan had… Continue reading "Japan Will Stop Accepting Military Students from Myanmar"
Welcome to Overt Defense’s Weekend Briefing where we round up the week’s most exciting and important defense news. In this weekend’s issue topics including the second hypersonic ARRW booster test,… Continue reading "Weekend Briefing (18-22 July)"
Speaking at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced plans for an expanded Japanese security role in the Indo-Pacific. As he addressed the… Continue reading "Kishida Pledges to Expand Japan’s International Security Role"