Japan – Page 9 – The Defense Post

Oct- 2025 -

23 October

New Zealand Mulls Japan’s Next-Gen Mogami Frigates as Pacific Pressures Grow

New Zealand is exploring the possibility of introducing Japan’s upgraded Mogami-class stealth frigate, known as the New FFM, as part of its fleet renewal plan.

16 October

Asia Pacific

Rojoef Manuel

Japan Sends More Military Vehicles to Ukraine

Japan has shipped another batch of military vehicles to Ukraine, adding 30 more units as part of its ongoing support program for the country’s defense efforts amid the Russian invasion.

13 October

Asia Pacific

Inder Singh Bisht

Japan Contracts Mitsubishi to Mass Produce Sub-Launched Missile

Japan has contracted Mitsubishi to commence production of a submarine-launched missile and an improved Type 12 surface-to-ship missile.

8 October

Asia Pacific

The Abukuma-class destroyer escort Oyodo (DE-231) enters Maizuru Base.

Christine Casimiro

Philippine Navy Eyes Three of Six Japanese Destroyer Escorts

The Philippine Navy (PN) is seeking to acquire three of six Japanese Abukuma-class destroyer escorts to enhance joint interoperability and strengthen its maritime capabilities amid rising tensions with China.

7 October

Americas

Test on the SPY-7 radar system for Japan.

Giulia Bernacchi

Lockheed Martin Tests SPY-7 Radar for Japan’s Aegis Vessels

Lockheed Martin has begun testing the AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar system for Japan’s Aegis System Equipped Vessel program.

6 October

Drones - Latest News, Features & Expert Opinion

Inder Singh Bisht

Japan Trials Rheinmetall, Milrem Unmanned Ground Vehicles

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has begun trials of two European-produced unmanned ground vehicles to assess their potential across multiple operational roles.

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.

1 October

Air

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force Airman assigned to the Western Air Civil Engineering Group sets up a drone during a bilateral live fire exercise at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 18, 2023. U.S. and Japanese partners worked together, repairing the craters and exchanging knowledge while observers from both countries watched. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anwtain Hanks)

Rojoef Manuel

Japan Mulls Joining Latvia-Led Ukraine Drone Coalition

Japan is reviewing an invitation from Latvia to join a group of nations sending drones and technology to Ukraine as it battles Russia’s invasion.

Sep- 2025 -

24 September

Arms

A U.S. Marine Air Defense Integrated System, far left, a Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, left, a Japan Self-Defense Force Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile, right, and Type 03 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile are displayed at a press conference during Resolute Dragon 25 at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 17, 2025. Resolute Dragon 25 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. The NMESIS and the MADIS are 3rd Marine Division Assets. The Type 12 SSM and the Type 03 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile are Western Army assets. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Evelyn Doherty)

Rojoef Manuel

US Marines Practice With NMESIS Ship-Killer in Japan Amid Rising China Tensions

The US Marine Corps is training in Japan with a mobile anti-ship missile system while coordinating with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces on moving equipment amid concerns over China’s growing naval activity.

22 September

Asia Pacific

Rojoef Manuel

Japan Sets Hard Line on Military AI: Humans Stay in Charge

Japan has drawn a red line on artificial intelligence in the military: AI can help with defense operations, but humans stay in charge when it comes to lethal force.

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