Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force

Apr- 2026 -

1 April

The JS Chōgei (SS-517) Taigei-class attack submarine

Mitsubishi Delivers Japan’s Fifth Taigei Attack Submarine

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has accepted its fifth Taigei-class diesel-electric attack submarine from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Mar- 2026 -

24 March

Asia Pacific

An artist's impression of the AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar-fitted Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV). The gray ship is seen sailing in rough waters. Three missiles are seen firing off from it, with one maneuvering to hit an airborne missile fired by an unknown source. By the back of the ship, three laser-like lights target a group of five drones flying above. Two triangle-shaped objects are seen hovering above the entire scene.

Inder Singh Bisht

US, Japan Push Aegis Vessel Integration With First SPY-7 Live Test

The US has carried out the first live-target tracking exercise using the SPY-7 radar slated to be integrated with Japan’s Aegis vessel.

Dec- 2025 -

5 December

Asia Pacific

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

Japan Activates 100-kW Fiber Laser for Live Sea Trials

Fiber laser is a 100-kilowatt-class high-energy weapon, combining ten 10-kW fiber lasers into a single beam, housed in two 40-foot container modules, and equipped with a dome-shaped turret.

Oct- 2025 -

3 October

Sea

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

Historic First: Japanese Destroyer to Be Armed With 1,000-Mile Tomahawk Missiles

JS Chokai is a 9,500-ton Kongō-class Aegis destroyer that will be upgraded in the United States for Tomahawk missiles integration.

Sep- 2025 -

4 September

Asia Pacific

Rojoef Manuel

Palfinger to Deliver Slipway Systems for Japan’s Next-Gen FFM Warships

Japan has awarded Austrian firm Palfinger Marine a contract to supply stern launch and recovery systems for its next-generation FFM-class multirole frigates.

Jul- 2025 -

2 July

Air

Rojoef Manuel

Audit Flags Readiness Gaps in Japan’s P-1 Maritime Patrol Fleet

Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force is grappling with the reduced operational availability of its Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft fleet, primarily due to persistent engine malfunctions.

Jun- 2025 -

10 June

Asia Pacific

Rojoef Manuel

Mitsubishi Launches Latest Maritime Survey Vessel for Japanese Navy

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has rolled out a new oceanographic research vessel for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

4 June

Asia Pacific

211030 -N-HS181-2313 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 30, 2021) Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Murasame-class destroyer JS Murasame (DD 101) transits the South China Sea, during operations with U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, Oct. 30, 2021. Elements of JMSDF and CSG 1 are conducting bilateral operations in the South China Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Haydn N. Smith)

Rojoef Manuel

Japan Exhibits Design for Kongō, Murasame Destroyer Replacements

Japan Marine United (JMU) has showcased the early-stage design of next-generation destroyers for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force at a convention in Chiba.

2 June

Asia Pacific

The JS Niyodo (FFM-7) Mogami-class frigate

Rojoef Manuel

Mitsubishi Delivers Seventh Mogami Frigate to Japanese Navy

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has handed over the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s seventh Mogami-class multi-mission stealth frigate.

Mar- 2025 -

24 March

Asia Pacific

Joe Saballa

Following US and China, Japan Unifies Military Branches Under Single Command

Japan has set up a joint operational command for its Self-Defense Forces, emulating a significant step taken by both the US and China to enhance their preparedness for potential conflict.

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