Key Points

  • Japan is making a significant shift from its post-WWII pacifist stance by developing new advanced weapons
  • Factors driving the change: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, rising tensions with China over Taiwan, North Korea’s nuclear developments Japan is substantially increasing defense spending, focusing on naval capabilities

5 new weapons in development

  • Unmanned surface vessel (USV) for recon, surveillance and combat
  • Unmanned amphibious vehicle (UAV) to secure enemy territory
  • Upgraded torpedo with anti-torpedo capabilities
  • Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) to counter hypersonic weapons
  • New Ship-to-Air Missile (NSAM) with improved targeting

Most weapons to be tested and deployed around 2030 Public support for military spending increasing (40% in 2023 vs 29% in 2018)

The development of these advanced weapons systems marks a major change in Japan’s military posture and could significantly impact the balance of power in East Asia. Monitoring the progress and deployment of these new capabilities will be important for assessing regional security dynamics in the coming years.