Japan plans to build more ammunition depots at Self-Defense Forces facilities from fiscal 2024 to store long-range missiles as it is set to acquire enemy base strike capabilities, according sources close to the matter
Japan is looking to legislate a "security clearance" system, which grants some individuals special access to classified government data, in 2024 to prevent critical information from leaking to overseas entities, a government source says..
Japan, the United States, Australia and the Philippines have held joint naval drills in the South China Sea, the Japanese Defense Ministry says, amid China's continuous attempts to obstruct Manila's supply activities at military footholds in the water.
The Japanese government told ruling parties that lethal weapons could be exported for specific non-combat purposes, party members say, as working group discussions resume on relaxing the nation's strict defense equipment transfer rules.
The Defense Ministry will seek a record-high budget of over 7 trillion yen ($49 billion) for the next fiscal year, according to a source familiar with the matter, a move in line with Japan's new security strategy to eventually double its annual defense outlays.