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Self-Defence Forces (Japan)

The latest news and top stories on the Self-Defence Forces. A prominent Japan-based governmental military organisation, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) was established in 1954 with its headquarters in Ichigaya, Tokyo. Its primary mission is to defend Japan against aggression, preserve peace, and maintain national security. Comprising Ground, Maritime, and Air branches, the JSDF also focuses significantly on disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and international peacekeeping operations. Operating under a pacifist constitution, it is recognised for its defensive capabilities and increasing engagement in space and cyber domains, alongside joint exercises with allies.

An illustration of Munich-based Hensoldt’s HADIS system. HADIS can be steered remotely, is silent and can more accurately deliver cargoes over further distances. Photo: Hensoldt

Japan

Japan explores German silent cargo gliders to resupply remote islands

The HADIS system can deliver cargo of up to 500kg over a range of 120km and safeguard transport aircraft during resupply operations.

14 Feb 2026 - 2:39PM

North Korea

Why Takaichi’s landslide victory in Japan has North Korea on edge

13 Feb 2026 - 5:53PMvideocam

Japan

Video | At least 30 killed as blizzards hit Japan

3 Feb 2026 - 9:32PM

Japan

Japan set to revive WWII military titles in controversial shift

While some argue the change aligns Japan with global norms, others say better pay – not historical titles – is what soldiers really need.

3 Feb 2026 - 5:27PM

Japan

Japan and South Korea bolster defence ties amid regional tensions

Defence chiefs agree to joint AI, space, and drone development, aiming to stabilise the region against growing missile threats.

30 Jan 2026 - 8:41PM

Japan

Why more Japanese than ever support strengthening the military

A record-high survey result reflects how the war in Ukraine and regional tensions have reshaped Japan’s once cautious security outlook.

29 Jan 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

Japan

Macroscope | Japan’s economic security push heralds rising protectionism in Asia

The emphasis on securing supply chains and stockpiling critical resources is no substitute for free and open trade and investment.

20 Dec 2025 - 4:30PMvideocam

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi gestures as US President Donald Trump delivers a speech in front of US Navy personnel on board the USS George Washington aircraft carrier at the US naval base in Yokosuka, Japan, on October 28. Photo: AFP

US-China relations

Japan, US defence chiefs cover radar row and other China tensions in phone call

Washington and Tokyo share ‘serious concerns’ about regional security, reaffirm commitment to alliance.

12 Dec 2025 - 8:01PMvideocam

China-Japan relations

US military sends show of support to Japan as China’s navy, air drills continue

Japanese fighters train with US B-52s and USS George Washington arrives in Yokosuka amid heightened China-Japan tensions.

11 Dec 2025 - 7:13PMvideocam

China-Japan relations

China ‘did tell Japan about air drills but not in enough detail to avoid danger’

Both sides have been trading barbs following a stand-off between fighters during Saturday’s training exercise involving the Liaoning carrier.

10 Dec 2025 - 9:00PMvideocam

A Chinese J-15 fighter jet prepares to land on the Liaoning aircraft carrier in this photo released in December 2021. China has released more details about Saturday’s mid-air stand-off between Chinese and Japanese fighter jets. Photo: AP

China's military weapons

Why is China piling on the pressure on Japan with increasing naval operations?

Japanese analysis indicates Chinese fighters locked onto jets from a distance of about 52km during first encounter and 148km during second.

9 Dec 2025 - 7:50PMvideocam

The aircraft carrier Liaoning appears to be heading in the opposite direction to the route traditionally taken by Chinese warships. Photo: AP

China’s military drills

Japan keeps tabs on 4 Chinese navy ships near Okinawa after weekend stand-off

China’s ‘capabilities in long-range, unmanned combat operations mean we can neutralise any threat with precision’, commentator tells CCTV.

8 Dec 2025 - 7:37PMvideocam

China's military weapons

Is China’s rapid anti-submarine drone progress adding to concerns of Japan, US?

After decades within the confines of the first island chain, the PLA Navy is unveiling a succession of game-changing advances.

3 Dec 2025 - 11:45PMvideocam

China-Japan relations

China’s volatile Japan ties

China and Japan have built deep economic links, while also still having regular diplomatic rows. The latest blow-up came after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in November that the nation’s military forces could potentially be deployed in the event of a Taiwan conflict.

3 Dec 2025 - 11:15AM

China's military weapons

PLA’s drone carrier on fast track to deployment with apparent second sea trial

A vessel believed to be the Sichuan, a key asset for potential amphibious operations against Taiwan, departs Shanghai shipyard.

2 Dec 2025 - 11:00AM

China’s first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, sets sail from a shipyard in Shanghai on November 14 for its first sea trial. Photo: Xinhua

China-Japan relations

Japan’s export of lethal weapons to US ‘extremely dangerous’: Chinese analysts

Shipment of Patriot surface-to-air missile interceptors said to indicate Tokyo’s expanded military capabilities amid tense China-Japan ties.

21 Nov 2025 - 12:00PMvideocam

Japan

‘Could’ve come from anywhere’: why did spiders appear at a US base in Japan?

The record number of spiders – including redbacks, black and grey widows – highlights Japan’s struggle in containing invasive species.

12 Nov 2025 - 5:37PMvideocam

The Philippines

Philippines and Japan signal defence pact’s depth via aid to quake-hit Cebu

The humanitarian mission is partly aimed at addressing regional concerns over the pact’s objectives, analysts say.

8 Oct 2025 - 6:21PM

Personnel from the Philippine Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defence Force attend a ceremony in Lapu-Lapu City on Wednesday to mark the launch of their joint mission to help quake-hit Cebu. Photo: Instagram/philairforce

China-Japan relations

China criticises Japan’s laser weapon plans as threat to regional stability

Beijing’s military accuses Tokyo of breaching pacifist limits as Japan invests in land- and sea-based laser systems.

24 Sep 2025 - 12:11AMvideocam

Japan

Protests over Japan-US military drills in Okinawa expose domestic rifts

While Japan’s defence minister has condemned the protests, a governor says the US military presence places a huge burden on Okinawa.

23 Sep 2025 - 8:00AM

China's military weapons

PLA warship the Fujian heads to South China Sea. Is it about to enter service?

Chinese navy says the warship is on ‘routine mission’ as speculation builds that it could soon be commissioned.

12 Sep 2025 - 7:36PMvideocam

The Chinese navy said the Fujian would conduct scientific research tests and drills in the South China Sea. Photo: CCTV

Japan

Marching orders: Japanese firms enlist military discipline to drill soft skills

Japanese firms are sending fresh recruits to military-run programmes for teamwork and discipline, as remote work widens the soft-skills gap.

23 Jul 2025 - 9:50AMvideocam

New employees line up for marching drills during a two-day “enlistment experience” programme at the Maritime Self-Defence Force’s Ozuki Air Base in Yamaguchi prefecture. Photo: Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force

Japan

Why Japan just tested a missile on its own turf for the first time

Driven by concerns over China’s military might and North Korea’s provocations, Japan is moving towards greater defence self-sufficiency.

6 Jul 2025 - 8:00AMvideocam

Japan

Is Japan facing higher risk of drone warfare over Diaoyu Islands?

Japan has said its military could shoot down foreign drones flying over its territory, days after a Chinese-made drone entered its airspace.

4 Jul 2025 - 4:18PMvideocam

A Chinese military drone spotted near the Japanese islands of Okinawa and Miyakojima in 2023. Photo: Japan’s defence ministry

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Self-Defence Forces (Japan)

Japan explores German silent cargo gliders to resupply remote islands

The HADIS system can deliver cargo of up to 500kg over a range of 120km and safeguard transport aircraft during resupply operations.

Why Takaichi’s landslide victory in Japan has North Korea on edge

.css-rcruog{color:#C79A00;}Video | At least 30 killed as blizzards hit Japan

Japan set to revive WWII military titles in controversial shift

While some argue the change aligns Japan with global norms, others say better pay – not historical titles – is what soldiers really need.

Japan and South Korea bolster defence ties amid regional tensions

Defence chiefs agree to joint AI, space, and drone development, aiming to stabilise the region against growing missile threats.

Why more Japanese than ever support strengthening the military

A record-high survey result reflects how the war in Ukraine and regional tensions have reshaped Japan’s once cautious security outlook.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Macroscope | Japan’s economic security push heralds rising protectionism in Asia

The emphasis on securing supply chains and stockpiling critical resources is no substitute for free and open trade and investment.

Japan, US defence chiefs cover radar row and other China tensions in phone call

Washington and Tokyo share ‘serious concerns’ about regional security, reaffirm commitment to alliance.

US military sends show of support to Japan as China’s navy, air drills continue

Japanese fighters train with US B-52s and USS George Washington arrives in Yokosuka amid heightened China-Japan tensions.

China ‘did tell Japan about air drills but not in enough detail to avoid danger’

Both sides have been trading barbs following a stand-off between fighters during Saturday’s training exercise involving the Liaoning carrier.

Why is China piling on the pressure on Japan with increasing naval operations?

Japanese analysis indicates Chinese fighters locked onto jets from a distance of about 52km during first encounter and 148km during second.

Japan keeps tabs on 4 Chinese navy ships near Okinawa after weekend stand-off

China’s ‘capabilities in long-range, unmanned combat operations mean we can neutralise any threat with precision’, commentator tells CCTV.

Is China’s rapid anti-submarine drone progress adding to concerns of Japan, US?

After decades within the confines of the first island chain, the PLA Navy is unveiling a succession of game-changing advances.

China’s volatile Japan ties

China and Japan have built deep economic links, while also still having regular diplomatic rows. The latest blow-up came after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in November that the nation’s military forces could potentially be deployed in the event of a Taiwan conflict.

PLA’s drone carrier on fast track to deployment with apparent second sea trial

A vessel believed to be the Sichuan, a key asset for potential amphibious operations against Taiwan, departs Shanghai shipyard.

Japan’s export of lethal weapons to US ‘extremely dangerous’: Chinese analysts

Shipment of Patriot surface-to-air missile interceptors said to indicate Tokyo’s expanded military capabilities amid tense China-Japan ties.

‘Could’ve come from anywhere’: why did spiders appear at a US base in Japan?

The record number of spiders – including redbacks, black and grey widows – highlights Japan’s struggle in containing invasive species.

Philippines and Japan signal defence pact’s depth via aid to quake-hit Cebu

The humanitarian mission is partly aimed at addressing regional concerns over the pact’s objectives, analysts say.

China criticises Japan’s laser weapon plans as threat to regional stability

Beijing’s military accuses Tokyo of breaching pacifist limits as Japan invests in land- and sea-based laser systems.

Protests over Japan-US military drills in Okinawa expose domestic rifts

While Japan’s defence minister has condemned the protests, a governor says the US military presence places a huge burden on Okinawa.

PLA warship the Fujian heads to South China Sea. Is it about to enter service?

Chinese navy says the warship is on ‘routine mission’ as speculation builds that it could soon be commissioned.

Marching orders: Japanese firms enlist military discipline to drill soft skills

Japanese firms are sending fresh recruits to military-run programmes for teamwork and discipline, as remote work widens the soft-skills gap.

Why Japan just tested a missile on its own turf for the first time

Driven by concerns over China’s military might and North Korea’s provocations, Japan is moving towards greater defence self-sufficiency.

Is Japan facing higher risk of drone warfare over Diaoyu Islands?

Japan has said its military could shoot down foreign drones flying over its territory, days after a Chinese-made drone entered its airspace.

Video | At least 30 killed as blizzards hit Japan

Macroscope | Japan’s economic security push heralds rising protectionism in Asia