A Japanese Defense Ministry panel has urged the government to expand its focus on drones, submarines with long-range missiles, and relaxed arms export restrictions to address rising regional security threats. The proposal highlights China’s increasing maritime assertiveness, closer alignment between China, Russia, and North Korea, and evolving methods of warfare.
The report, submitted to Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, calls for the “full-scale introduction of unmanned assets” and permanent drone deployment to counter activities near Japan’s airspace. It also backs advanced submarines with long-range strike capabilities, considering next-generation power sources to extend operational range.
Panel members argued that Japan lags behind in unmanned technology and should strengthen deterrence through new tools, while deepening defense cooperation with like-minded partners. Recommendations include easing strict export rules to allow transfers of defense equipment to nations in Southeast Asia and beyond, especially those sharing democratic values.
The report supports Japan’s existing plan to raise defense spending to 2 percent of GDP by 2027 but suggests discussions on further increases, citing the urgency of modernizing capabilities amid regional instability.
