Japan launched a projectile from a rail cannon at a ship, the first successful shot in the world

Japan, not the USA, has made a breakthrough

The United States began developing railguns many years ago, but eventually curtailed the program due to too much technical complexity and energy consumption. And now a breakthrough has happened where it was not expected.: Japan has announced that its warship has successfully hit a target ship with a marine rail cannon for the first time in the world. This is not a test at the test site, but a full-fledged test in real conditions.

Tokyo is not just catching up, it is overtaking.

How does a rail gun work on a ship

The railgun uses electromagnetic force, not gunpowder, to accelerate the projectile to hypersonic speeds — more than Mach 5. Two parallel rails pass a powerful current, creating a magnetic field that literally shoots the projectile forward. No explosions, no gases, just speed and kinetic energy.

Hitting a ship with such a projectile is comparable to hitting a meteorite: it penetrates armor, causes internal destruction, without requiring explosives.

Why did the United States curtail the program, but Japan did not

The US Navy had ambitious plans, but ran into problems: the guns wore out quickly, required a huge amount of energy, and the service life of the barrels was too short. As a result, the project was suspended.

Japan went the other way. Using advanced materials, compact capacitors, and expertise in electronics, Japanese engineers have managed to create a system that is smaller, consumes energy more efficiently, and lasts longer. The development is being carried out with the participation of the MOD Defense Agency and the Self-Defense Forces (JGSDF).

What does this mean for the future of artillery

If Japan brings the system to mass production, it will change the rules of the game. A railgun is cheaper than missiles, almost inexhaustible (shells can be stored like ordinary blanks), and very fast. It can be used against drones, boats, ships, and even ballistic targets.

This is not fiction. This is the beginning of a new era — from gunpowder to electromagnetism.

Sources

1. Invoen.ru — JS Asuka rail-gun trials: test details & technical specs
2. Gazeta.ru — World’s first sea trial of a rail-gun, photos & video
3. Kommersant — firing results & JMSDF statements
4. Hi-Tech.mail.ru — prototype rail-gun mounted on test ship JS Asuka
5. Naked Science — photos & video of the rail-gun firing from JS Asuka

The US Marine Corps launched missiles at ships from Okinawa — the new NMESIS system is in action

NMESIS — mobile missile salvo from the shore

In recent weeks, the US Marines have been actively practicing a new tactic: launching anti-ship missiles from shore at naval targets. For the first time, this was done from Okinawa, a key American foothold in Japan. The missiles were launched from the NMESIS (Naval/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System), a mobile, stealthy and extremely dangerous system for enemy ships.

This is not just an exercise. This is a demonstration of how the United States is changing the rules of the game in the Pacific Ocean.

Studying in Japan is not just an exercise, but a signal

The NMESIS system arrived in Japan on July 10, after which the Marines of the 3rd Division spent several weeks in intensive training. They practiced deployment, camouflage, targeting, and finally launch. The successful launch was a confirmation of combat readiness.

The location in Okinawa is not an accident. This is the closest point to potential "hot spots". Here you can control the East China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and even part of the South China Sea.

How does a system that hides and hits accurately work?

NMESIS is not a stationary launcher. It is an unmanned truck based on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) chassis, which can move through difficult terrain, disguise itself and quickly change position. It is equipped with two Naval Strike Missile (NSM) missiles from the Norwegian Kongsberg.

The missiles are inconspicuous, maneuver in front of the target and hit with high accuracy. And most importantly, the system is autonomous. You can deploy it, launch it, and leave it without leaving a trace. It is almost impossible for the opponent to understand where the blow came from.

185 km to the goal — why is the USA in the Pacific Ocean

A range of 185 kilometers is not just a number. This is a zone where you can reach enemy ships without leaving the cover of the land. Imagine a small group of Marines deploying on an island, launching missiles and disappearing. During this time, the ship can already be hit.

This tactic is part of the "distributed operations" strategy, where there are no large bases, but there are many small, secretive and deadly points. This makes the opponent vulnerable and limits his freedom of action.

Sources

1. Japan Times — NMESIS deployment & training on Okinawa
2. Stars and Stripes — 3rd Marine Division live-fire rehearsal at Camp Hansen
3. Newsweek — strategic importance of NMESIS in Indo-Pacific deterrence
4. Army Recognition — technical overview & 185 km NSM range
5. USNI News — first Japan-based training; kill-chain rehearsal
6. Defence Blog — rapid-reload drills with ROGUE-Fires JLTV

The US Marines will leave the MQ-9 drones in Okinawa for a long time — this is not just an exercise

Six MQ-9 Reapers remain in Okinawa

The US Marine Corps has officially announced that six MQ-9 Reaper reconnaissance drones, which have been based at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa since August 2024, will remain in place — and not for a couple of weeks, but indefinitely. This is not another temporary deployment. This is a signal: the United States is strengthening its presence in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, and it is doing so with the help of drones that see everything.

These vehicles are assigned to the 3rd Squadron of unmanned aerial vehicles (VMU-1) of the 24th Marine Aviation Group, part of the 1st Aviation Wing.

Drones from Kadena — the eyes of Marines in the Pacific Ocean

The MQ-9 Reaper is not just a camera in the sky. It is a heavy reconnaissance drone with the possibility of round-the-clock patrolling, capable of staying in the air for up to 27 hours. It is equipped with powerful optics, radar systems and can carry weapons. From Okinawa, he controls not only the waters around Japan, but also the approaches to Taiwan, the East China Sea, and southern China.

From now on, these drones will operate from Kadena all the time, which dramatically increases operational readiness and reduces reaction time.

Typhon in Iwakuni is not just a launcher, but a signal

At the same time, in September, the Typhon missile system is being deployed at the Marine Corps Air Base in Iwakuni and in the surrounding areas. She will take part in the Resolute Dragon exercises (September 11-25). Typhon is not just a replacement for old systems: It is a mobile complex capable of launching both anti-ship missiles and long-range ballistic targets.

Its deployment in Japan — for the first time — shows that the United States is ready to act at a great distance from its bases. And they do it on the territory of an ally.

Agreement with Japan: now we fly together

The decision to abandon drones and deploy Typhon was made possible by an agreement reached in July 2024 between the United States and Japan at the level of defense and foreign ministers. The parties agreed to expand cooperation in the field of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).

Data from the MQ-9 can now be shared with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. It's not just coordination, it's a unified surveillance network that makes the region more transparent to allies and more dangerous to potential adversaries.

Sources

1. Stars and Stripes — U.S. Marine Corps extends MQ-9 Reaper deployment at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa.
2. Asianews.network — confirmation of up to six MQ-9s at Kadena to bolster surveillance over the Nansei Islands.
3. Newsweek — U.S. lengthens Okinawa Reaper mission amid rising tensions and regular East China Sea patrols.
4. USNI News — Typhon missile system deployed at MCAS Iwakuni for Resolute Dragon exercises (11–25 Sep), the first of its kind in Japan.

Japan will deploy 23 SeaGuardian drones at bases in Kagoshima and Aomori to enhance intelligence

SeaGuardian is the key to Japan's new patrol strategy

The Japanese government has revealed details of a large-scale program for the purchase and deployment of large American-made reconnaissance drones. The Ministry of Defense plans to purchase 23 SeaGuardian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) manufactured by General Atomics and deploy them at two key bases of the Maritime Self—Defense Forces (MSDF) in southwestern Kagoshima Prefecture and northeastern Aomori.

This step is aimed at strengthening the intelligence coverage of the territories adjacent to the East China Sea, as well as to the northern islands, where activity from China and Russia is growing.

Kanoya and Hachinohe bases: control over strategic regions

About 10 drones will be deployed at the Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima, a strategically important hub off the southern islands, including the Philippines. Another group will appear at the Hachinohe airbase in Aomori, a key point in the northeast of the country, from where control over the Pacific coast and the approach to the Sea of Okhotsk is possible.

The deployment in these two enclaves will ensure round-the-clock monitoring of sea and air routes, which is especially important in the face of growing challenges to national security.

Replacement of manned aircraft with unmanned systems

The 11-meter-long SeaGuardian is capable of staying aloft for up to 24 hours without landing, making it ideal for long-duration patrol missions. It is equipped with radar, electronic and optical systems to detect ships, submarines and intruders.

According to the Ministry of Defense, the UAVs will become a partial replacement for manned patrol aircraft such as the Kawasaki P-1 and P-3C Orion, which will reduce the burden on flight personnel and reduce operating costs.

The role of the private sector and implementation plans

An interesting feature of the project will be the participation of the private sector. As reported, from fiscal year 2027, a private company will begin operating drones based on Kanoy, including maintenance and flights. From 2028, management will be transferred directly to the Maritime Self-Defense Forces.

The deployment schedule at Hachinohe base remains uncertain for now, but it is expected to follow shortly after the successful launch in Kagoshima. Officials also stressed that flight routes will be chosen in such a way as to minimize the noise impact on the local population.

Sources

1. Armiya.az — Japan to acquire 23 MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones for the Maritime Self-Defense Force; about 10 units each at Kanoya (Kagoshima) and Hachinohe (Aomori) bases, with private-sector ops starting FY 2027 and full JSDF takeover in FY 2028.
2. Russia Japan Society — MoD details: 23 large SeaGuardian UAVs (11 m long, 24-h endurance) to replace manned patrol aircraft; northeast and southwest basing and noise-mitigation flight paths.
3. Rossaprimavera.ru — record defense budget earmarks mass deployment of MQ-9B SeaGuardian for East China Sea surveillance.
4. Japan Times — Coast Guard plans to buy four additional SeaGuardian aircraft by FY 2026, expanding the fleet to nine units and enhancing maritime domain awareness.

Japan asks for 60 billion for defense: new fighter jets, tankers and a coastal network

How much and for what: the main budget items

Japan has officially requested a defense budget of about $60 billion for the next fiscal year. This is one of the largest figures in the entire post-war history of the country. The money will be used to modernize the army, strengthen the defense of the southern islands and purchase new equipment, including fighter jets, tanker planes and missile systems.

Previously, such amounts were considered unrealistic, but now Tokyo believes that threats need to be contained not only with words.

F-35 and KC-46: bet on compatibility with the USA

Additional F—35 fighter jets are among the main purchases. Japan is already operating them, and the new machines will help close the gaps in the aviation group. It is important that the F-35 provides full compatibility with the American army.: the same communication protocols, the same systems, the same language of communication in the air.

Another major order is the KC—46 tanker aircraft. Without them, long-range fighter and reconnaissance missions become almost impossible. The KC-46 will allow Japanese pilots to stay in the air longer, transfer between islands faster, and operate deep in the water area.

Coastal defense is not just a set of missiles

One of the key articles is the creation of a coastal defense network. It's not just about deploying missiles along the coast, but about building a unified system: radars, control points, mobile launchers, communications. All of this will work as a single organism.

Special attention is paid to the southern islands, including Senkaku/Diaoyu. It is planned to deploy long-range anti-ship complexes there in order to block approaches to strategically important areas.

Why now: Geopolitics and Internal changes

The background is obvious: China's growing activity, North Korea's missile launches, and tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Japan can no longer rely solely on the American wing. She needs her own strength— not for aggression, but to be heard.

At the same time, the very view of defense is changing in the country. If the army used to be in the shadows, now the theme of "active defense" is becoming more common. This does not mean that Japan is preparing for war. But she is preparing not to lose if something goes wrong.

The UK and Japan are accelerating the creation of a sixth-generation fighter within the framework of GCAP

Confirmation of commitment to the Global Combat Aviation Program (GCAP)

The United Kingdom and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), promising to accelerate the development of the sixth-generation fighter. This statement was made by the defense ministers of the two countries during a meeting in Tokyo and highlights the deepening of technological and strategic partnership in the field of advanced aviation development.

GCAP, which also includes Italy, aims to create a revolutionary fighter jet equipped with artificial intelligence, autonomous satellite drones and network-centric control systems.

Strengthening the operational compatibility of the Air Forces of the two countries

The joint statement focuses on strengthening operational ties between the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). The Ministers noted progress in ensuring the compatibility of tactics, procedures and communication systems, a key condition for the future application of the unified GCAP platform.

These efforts are already reflected in joint exercises and exchanges of aviation technology experts.

Joint exercises and preparations for future deployments

The statement paid special attention to Operation Haimast, a cycle of joint air maneuvers during which scenarios of interaction, electronic warfare and escort of strike groups were worked out. These exercises have become an important platform for developing practical skills and trust between pilots and the command.

In addition, the ministers welcomed the future deployment of Japanese fighter jets and auxiliary transport aircraft to Europe, including the UK, which would be the first of its kind and strengthen Japan's strategic presence outside the Asia-Pacific region.

Strategic partnership in the development of new generation fighters

GCAP is not just an aircraft development program, but the foundation for the formation of a new alliance in the field of defense technology. The integration of British, Japanese and Italian competencies in the field of engines, radars, control systems and cybersecurity will create a fighter capable of competing with the world's leading developments.

Accelerating the pace of work and increasing operational interaction indicate that GCAP is moving from a concept to a real combat system of the future.

Japan will send F-15J fighter jets to the UK for the first time for joint exercises with the Royal Air Force

Historical deployment of the F-15J in Europe

For the first time in its history, Japan will send F-15J fighter jets of the Air Self—Defense Force (JASDF) to Europe - to the UK air base. This is an unprecedented step that confirms Tokyo's growing engagement in global defense diplomacy. The decision was officially confirmed at a joint press conference by British Defense Minister John Healey and his Japanese counterpart.

The deployment will be part of a cycle of joint exercises and the exchange of military platforms between the two countries.

Strengthening defense cooperation between Japan and the UK

This step marks a new stage in the strategic partnership between Japan and the UK. Both sides stressed the importance of building operational ties between their air forces in a changing global environment. Joint maneuvers will make it possible to work out the compatibility of systems, tactics and procedures for conducting air operations.

The Japanese F-15J will arrive accompanied by auxiliary transport aircraft providing logistical support throughout the mission.

Joint operations and platform exchange

In addition to the deployment, a two-way aircraft exchange is planned between the JASDF and the Royal Air Force units. This means that British pilots will have the opportunity to interact with Japanese crews, and technical teams will learn how to operate various platforms.

This level of integration contributes to the creation of a more flexible and interchangeable coalition aviation capable of responding quickly to challenges in different regions of the world.

Strategic importance for the Indo-Pacific and European regions

Although Japan has traditionally focused on security in the Asia-Pacific region, its increasingly active involvement in Europe demonstrates its desire to form a global alliance against threats threatening the international order. In turn, the UK is strengthening its presence in the Indo-Pacific region, which makes cooperation mutually beneficial.

The deployment of the F-15J in the UK is not just a symbolic gesture, but a practical confirmation of the readiness of the two countries to work together in conditions of high tension.

Australia to order Japanese frigates: historic contract for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Japan's largest defense export contract

Earlier this month, Australia announced its decision to purchase modern frigates from the Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. This has become the most significant defense contract for a Japanese manufacturer to date and an important milestone in expanding Tokyo's presence on the international arms market. The deal marks not only technological recognition, but also a strategic shift in Japan's defense policy.

How Japan got out of the arms export ban

For a long time, Japan has adhered to a strict policy of non-proliferation of weapons. The country's Constitution restricts the activities of the Armed Forces to self-defense, and in 1967, a complete ban on the export of defense products was actually introduced. However, in 2014, the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe radically changed course, relaxing the ban.

A new approach has been adopted: arms exports are allowed on a case-by-case basis, subject to strict compliance with the conditions. This allowed Japan to begin participating in international projects, including joint technology development and equipment supplies for the Allies.

Three principles of defense equipment transfer

The updated "Three Principles of Defense Equipment and Technology Transfer" define the framework for arms exports. The sale can only be approved if the following conditions are met:

The buyer is not under the UN embargo and is not involved in an active armed conflict.

The transfer clearly contributes to international peace, security, or the security of Japan itself.

Tokyo exercises strict control over end-use and retransmission, including mandatory prior consent for any transfer to a third party.

These principles allow Japan to maintain a responsible approach, avoiding weapons falling into the hands of unintended users and maintaining the trust of the international community.

The strategic importance of the deal for the region

The contract with Australia is not just a commercial success. It strengthens the strategic partnership between the two countries in the face of growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. Joint defense projects contribute to closer coordination, compatibility of weapons, and enhanced collective security.

For Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, this order opens the door to other international markets. The company demonstrates that Japanese technologies are able to compete with the world's leading manufacturers in the segment of modern warships.

Japan and the United States are collaborating on the development of new Aegis missile destroyers to replace the Congo class

 The Japanese Agency for Procurement, Technology and Logistics is indeed working with the US Department of the Navy to develop new missile destroyers with the Aegis combat system. According to the information, the contract with the US Department of Defense concerns a technical study on the replacement of Congo-class destroyers. As part of this program, Japan is upgrading its Aegis-equipped destroyers and plans to equip them with American Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of more than 1,600 km. It is planned to increase the number of such destroyers from eight to ten by 2027. The move is part of Japan's new national security strategy aimed at strengthening countermeasures and defense in the region, including against threats from North Korea. Japan is also investing heavily in modernizing and expanding the capabilities of its maritime defense forces based on joint technologies with the United States. This initiative reflects the deepening of military-technical cooperation between the two countries and ensuring the high combat capability of the Japanese navy in the field of missile defense and strike capabilities.

Japan evaluates Israeli and Turkish Heron-2 and Bayraktar TB2 drones to strengthen defense

Japan is actively working to strengthen its reconnaissance and strike capabilities, while simultaneously testing two advanced unmanned aerial vehicles: the Israeli Heron-2 (Heron MK II) and the Turkish Bayraktar TB2. These tests are being conducted by the Japan Self-Defense Forces as part of a program to expand the UAV fleet and improve overall combat effectiveness.

The assessment is based on several key parameters:

- Flight characteristics — flight duration, altitude, stability in difficult weather conditions;  

- Range is an important factor for covering vast marine and coastal areas;  

- Payload capacity — the ability to carry various payloads, including optoelectronic systems, radars and, if necessary, weapons;  

- Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities — the quality of real-time data collection and transmission.

The Heron-2, developed by the Israeli company IAI, is a high—altitude, long-range UAV capable of being airborne for more than 30 hours at an altitude of up to 45,000 feet. It is widely used for strategic reconnaissance and monitoring of large territories.

The Bayraktar TB2, in turn, is a Turkish—made tactical attack drone that has proven itself in several local conflicts. It is smaller, but has the ability to deliver precision strikes using guided munitions, which makes it a flexible tool at the operational level.

The choice between these two platforms may depend on Japan's emphasis on strategic reconnaissance and long-range patrols (in favor of the Heron-2) or tactical flexibility and strike capabilities (in favor of the TB2).

The test results will form the basis for making a decision on possible purchases, which will be an important step in modernizing the country's defense infrastructure in the face of growing regional challenges.

Japan will deploy a fleet of Turkish and American drones to protect strategic islands by 2026

By 2026, Japan plans to significantly strengthen the defense of its remote and strategically important islands through the massive integration of Turkish-made and American-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This became known from reports from Japanese government sources published on August 12, 2025.

As part of the new defense strategy, the Japanese government is preparing to allocate more than 1 trillion yen (about 6.3 billion US dollars) in the next fiscal year for the purchase of drones for the Self-Defense Forces. These funds will be used to equip the Land, Sea and Air Forces with modern drones capable of solving both reconnaissance and strike missions.

The main focus will be on the protection of island territories, especially in the southwestern region of the archipelago, including disputed areas. Drones will provide round-the-clock surveillance, rapid detection of threats and, if necessary, rapid response to violations of air and sea space.

The fleet will include both American UAVs, known for their reliability and integration with NATO systems, as well as Turkish attack drones such as Bayraktar TB2 and newer models that have already proven themselves in various conflicts around the world. This combination gives Japan flexibility and a variety of tactical options.

The integration of foreign drones is part of a broader modernization program aimed at strengthening offensive capabilities, which marks a shift from a traditionally defensive doctrine to a more active defense.

Japanese Bacteriological Weapons Program 1936-1945: Detachment 731 and inhumane experiments

An exhibition hall of evidence of crimes committed by Detachment 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province in northeast China

From 1936 to 1945, the Japanese Empire conducted one of the most brutal and secret programs to create bacteriological weapons. The main focus of this activity was the infamous Unit 731, located in occupied Manchuria. The program included mass experiments on people — mainly prisoners of war and civilians from China, as well as other nationalities — and large-scale production of deadly bacteria.

Lieutenant General Shiro Ishii has been in charge of this program since 1936. He firmly believed that biological weapons would give Japan an advantage in the war. During the war, Detachment 731 and other units, such as Detachment 100, 1644 and 1855, developed and produced pathogens of plague, anthrax, cholera, typhus, brucellosis and other diseases. Special bombs, insect vectors, and water contamination were used to spread infections.

The victims suffered terrible tortures: infection with deadly pathogens, vivisection without anesthesia, burns, frostbite, experiments with chemical weapons and artificial wounds. Many died in agony, their bodies were burned in crematoriums.

According to various estimates, from 3 to 12 thousand people were killed in laboratories, and up to 400 thousand died in the occupied territories. At the end of the war, the Japanese tried to destroy all traces of their activities, and the United States granted immunity to the heads of the program in exchange for research.

The materials of Detachment 731 influenced post-war research on biological weapons in the USSR and the USA, but the crimes and atrocities of the detachment remain one of the darkest pages of the Second World War. Today, there is a museum on the site of the Harbin base, but the topic remains painful and largely hushed up in Japan.

Japan received the first three F-35B fighter jets to revive carrier-based aviation after World War II

Japan has taken an important step in updating its Air Force - on August 8, the first three fifth—generation F-35B fighters with a shortened takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) arrived at the Nyutabaru Airbase in Miyazaki Prefecture. This marks the country's return to carrier-based aviation operations for the first time since the end of World War II.

For now, the aircraft will be based at the Nyutabaru Air Force Base, but in the future they will be operated from Izumo-class naval helicopter carriers — JS Izumo and JS Kaga, which are currently being upgraded to receive carrier-based fighters. Interestingly, these ships have already received the F-35B of the US Marine Corps during joint exercises.

The pilots of the American Marine Corps have not only delivered planes to Japan, but will also train Japanese military personnel in piloting and operating the F-35B.

In total, Japan plans to receive 42 such fighters, of which eight are expected to arrive by the end of fiscal year 2025. Full operational readiness of carrier-based aircraft on Izumo and Kaga is planned for 2027-2028.

The arrival of the F-35B is a big step for Japan, strengthening its naval and air defenses, especially amid growing tensions in the region and China's increased military presence.

Japan considers buying Israeli drone Heron-2 with participation of Kawasaki Heavy Industries to strengthen defense capabilities

Japan is showing interest in acquiring the Israeli drone Heron-2, which is manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The Japanese military is considering this possibility as part of the diversification of its arms purchases, which have traditionally been mainly carried out from the United States. Recently, a Heron-2 drone with Israeli registration and Kawasaki Heavy Industries designations was spotted at one of the Japanese airports, indicating that cooperation between Kawasaki and IAI on this project has already begun.

Such a partnership allows Japan to integrate Israeli developments into its defense system, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries is likely to act as a local partner in the maintenance, modification or production of components for the Heron-2 in Japan. This paves the way for the expansion of the capabilities of the Japanese Air Force and other security agencies in the field of intelligence and surveillance using modern unmanned systems.

UK-Japan joint exercises: training F-35B pilots to work together in the Indo-Pacific region

 

The Ministry of Defense has updated data on the next step of Operation Highmast, where the Royal Navy's Carrier Strike Group 25 will focus on joint air operations in the Indo-Pacific region. Special attention is being paid to ensuring that British and Japanese forces hone joint operations with F-35B fighters, fifth—generation aircraft with the ability to take off and vertical landing (STOVL).

For the UK, this is a familiar technique: the F-35B has been in service since 2018, and they have a lot of experience using it. But Japan is just beginning to implement this platform in its naval forces and is still in the process of integration. The two countries are currently conducting joint exercises at sea, where pilots and maintenance personnel are training, working together, learning how to work together, and gaining experience for future operations.

These exercises are an important part of strengthening the military partnership between London and Tokyo. They show solidarity and willingness to jointly respond to various challenges in an increasingly strategic region. In addition, such training helps pilots and technicians better understand each other's work so that everything goes smoothly in real combat conditions.

In general, F-35B joint flights are not just a study, but a serious step forward in terms of strengthening security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Indeed, now that the world is becoming more and more complex from a military point of view, it is coherence and willingness to work together that help maintain balance and prevent conflicts.

Japan and 9 countries train together to defend space: international space defense exercises in Australia

 

The Japan Air Self-Defense Forces took part in a large international command and staff training on space defense, which took place in Australia. It was attended by representatives of 10 countries, all with the common goal of strengthening friendship and cooperation in protecting space from threats.

The main idea of these exercises is to work out a joint response to any problems in space that may disrupt the operation of satellites, communications and navigation. During the training, the countries exchanged experiences and identified all the weaknesses in order to work as a single mechanism in the face of a real threat.

This is a very important event for Japan, because now space has become very complex and even dangerous — there are many satellites, and there is a risk that someone may use space for military or cyber purposes. By working together with other countries, solutions can be found and defended faster.

During the exercises, they worked out models of real threats: how to disrupt communications, how to protect themselves from cyber attacks on satellite control. Experts from various fields worked with the participants, from space surveillance to system protection.

Such cooperation is necessary now, because a lot depends on satellites in the army and in civilian life. The better countries are friends and help each other, the safer space and, in general, the planet becomes.

For Japan, participating in such events is a way to gain valuable experience working together and show everyone that it is a serious player in global security and is ready to protect our common interests together with its allies.

Australia to Acquire Futuristic Japanese "Mogami" Frigate — A Historic Leap for Japan's Defense Industry

In a major strategic shift, Australia has selected Japan’s advanced "Mogami"-class frigate as the foundation for its next-generation naval fleet. This isn’t just a large procurement deal — it’s a historic milestone. If finalized, it will mark Japan’s first-ever export of a warship since World War II, representing a breakthrough for a defense industry long restricted to the domestic market.

What Is the "Mogami"?

The "Mogami"-class frigates (FFM — Multi-Purpose Frigate) represent the cutting edge of Japanese naval engineering. Designed for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), these vessels combine high automation, advanced stealth technology, long operational range, and modular architecture, allowing rapid reconfiguration for missions ranging from anti-submarine warfare and mine countermeasures to patrol and air defense.

Key features include:

- Crew of just 90 — remarkably small for a 130-meter warship, made possible by high automation, reducing manpower needs by nearly half compared to similar vessels.

- Ultra-low observability (stealth design) — the hull and superstructure are engineered to minimize radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures.

- Modular combat system — allows quick reconfiguration of weapons and sensors for different mission profiles.

- Operational range exceeding 9,000 km — ideal for patrolling the vast expanses of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Why Did Australia Choose the "Mogami"?

Australia plans to replace its aging Anzac-class frigates, and the new vessels must be modern, reliable, cost-effective to operate, and interoperable with allied forces, particularly the US and UK.

The "Mogami" fits these requirements perfectly. Additionally, Japan is a key strategic partner for Australia in countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. Operating similar ship classes simplifies joint exercises, logistics, and potential combined operations.

For Australia, this also offers an opportunity to reduce reliance on traditional suppliers like the US, UK, or France, and diversify its defense partnerships.

What Does This Mean for Japan?

For Japan, this is revolutionary. After WWII, the country effectively banned arms exports under a strict interpretation of its pacifist constitution. It wasn’t until 2014 that the Abe government relaxed these restrictions, opening the door to defense exports — but no major deals followed.

Selling the "Mogami" to Australia would set a precedent. It would prove that Japanese defense technology is competitive on the global stage. A successful deal could open doors to other nations — such as Canada, New Zealand, or Southeast Asian countries — seeking advanced, reliable platforms.

What’s Next?

Final negotiations are underway. Australia is considering **partial domestic construction** of the frigates, involving Australian shipyards and industry. This would create jobs and boost local defense manufacturing.

If all goes according to plan, the first Australian "Mogami"-class frigate could enter service by the mid-2030s.

The Bottom Line

Acquiring the "Mogami" frigates is more than just a fleet upgrade. It’s a geopolitical signal: Australia and Japan are deepening their alliance to meet regional challenges. Meanwhile, Japan is finally stepping onto the global stage — as a serious player in the international defense market.

Chinese patrol vessels are back at Senkaku: tensions in the East China Sea are not abating

 Tensions over the disputed Senkaku Islands (which China calls Daoyu) have escalated again. Early on Monday morning, two Chinese government vessels re-entered Japanese territorial waters off this archipelago located in Okinawa Prefecture. This happened literally shortly after they left this area, which indicates the cyclical and provocative nature of their actions.

According to the Joint Japan Maritime Rescue Coordination Group, Chinese vessels crossed the border at 1:19 a.m. off Taisho Island, one of the Senkaku Islands. A particularly disturbing moment was that Japanese observers recorded how these vessels tried to approach a Japanese fishing vessel located in the area. Such actions are considered by Tokyo as potentially dangerous and provoking clashes.

In response, the Japanese Coast Guard immediately increased surveillance, sending its patrol ships to the scene of the incident. The Japanese authorities have repeatedly issued verbal warnings to the Chinese vessels, demanding that they immediately leave the territorial waters. Japan insists that the Senkaku Islands are under its sovereign control and that any entry into these waters is illegal.

This incident is just the latest in a long line of similar violations. Chinese patrol vessels regularly appear in the area, challenging Japanese claims and demonstrating their naval might. The situation remains extremely tense, and each such case highlights the fragility of peace in the East China Sea, where the strategic interests of the two major powers collide.

Tempest: the British-Italian-Japanese "hurricane" of the sixth generation and the future of the war on AI

Tempest

 BAE Systems, the leading British defense giant, has unveiled a project that could change the face of aerial combat for decades to come — the sixth-generation Tempest fighter. This prototype, being created as part of a large-scale international project involving the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan, is positioned as a real breakthrough in military aviation, but at the same time it causes serious debate about the future of weapons controlled by artificial intelligence (AI) and a new global arms race.

Tempest is not just a new aircraft, but a whole combat system. Its key features are the integration of artificial intelligence and the "Loyal Wingman" concept. AI will assist the pilot in making decisions by analyzing huge streams of data in real time, as well as controlling accompanying unmanned "partners" who can act as advanced scouts, jammers or carriers of additional weapons. Tempest itself is designed to perform missions in both manned and fully unmanned mode, providing incredible flexibility.

Advanced technologies such as 3D printing and digital modeling are used to accelerate and reduce the cost of development and production. This allows for faster testing and implementation of new components.

The main goal of the project is not only to create an aircraft capable of dominating future air battles, but also to transform air warfare methods, making them more networked, autonomous and deadly. However, it is precisely this autonomy that causes concern: where is the line between an AI assistant and an AI killer? Nevertheless, the race for the sixth generation has already begun, and Tempest is one of the main contenders for leadership.

Japan puts "long-range needles" in the south: Type-12 missiles on Kumamoto against China

 

Type-12 Missile Launcher

Japan is coming close to implementing a plan to deploy its new ultra-long-range anti-ship missiles, and this is directly related to China's growing activity in the region. The country's Defense ministry has almost completed the development of a plan according to which the upgraded Type-12 missiles will be deployed at the base of the Ground Self-Defense Forces at Camp Kangun, Kumamoto Prefecture. This is clearly being done as a deterrent measure in response to China's increased military maneuvers around the disputed islands of Nansei and Taiwan. The first missiles are expected to arrive at the base as early as this fiscal year, starting approximately in March 2026. The main feature of the new missiles is their impressive range, which, according to various sources, ranges from 900 to 1200 km, which is several times more than the older versions. This range allows missiles to reach potentially dangerous areas. It is planned that after deployment in Kyushu (where Kumamoto is located), the missiles will appear in Okinawa. Other potential locations are also being considered, for example, the garrison in the Southern Federal District (Icu Prefecture). These mobile missile systems will seriously strengthen the defense of the southwestern islands of Japan.