By Zachary Keck
Japan’s first national security strategy outlines goals that U.S. defense technology will be crucial for achieving.
Japan’s new defense and national security documents suggest Tokyo will focus much of its procurement efforts on securing the most advanced U.S. defense technologies.
Two of the three main pillars of Japan’s first ever national security strategy (PDF) are enhancing Japan’s defense and diplomatic capabilities, and strengthening and expanding the U.S.-Japan alliance. The strategy suggests that cooperation in defense technologies will be at the center of these efforts. Specifically, the document states: “in order to strengthen the foundation of the Alliance, including enhanced interoperability, Japan will advance multilayered initiatives with the U.S. such as defense equipment and technology cooperation and personnel exchanges.”
The just released National Defense Program Guidelines (PDF) also emphasize the need for Japan to focus on procuring cutting edge military capabilities to grapple with what Tokyo is calling the increasingly severe security situation in the Asia-Pacific. Thus, the document stresses that “Japan will continue to secure defense capabilities adequate both in quantity and quality to underpin the various activities” required of its Self Defense Forces (SDF). It goes on to state:
“Japan will build a Dynamic Joint Defense Force, placing emphasis on developing advanced technology and information, command and communications capabilities and achieving readiness, mobility, flexibility, sustainability, robustness and connectivity in terms of both tangible and intangible resources while giving consideration to the establishment of broad infrastructure for logistical support.”
Read the full story at The Diplomat