Japan Self-Defense Forces

Mitsubishi Debuts Japan’s Seventh Taigei Attack Submarine

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has launched the seventh Taigei-class diesel-electric attack submarine for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force at its shipyard in Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture.

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Japan Rolls Out First Akane Landing Craft

Japan Marine United Corporation has unveiled the initial Akane-class landing craft for the Japan Self-Defense Forces at its shipyard in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture.

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Japan Develops Air Defense System With Three Types of Weapons

As drone swarms and ballistic missiles increasingly strain air defenses, Japan is developing a new weapon system designed to engage multiple threats in challenging environments.

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Rakuten, Helsing to Sell AI Strike Drones to Japan

Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten Group has partnered with German defense startup Helsing to introduce AI-powered tactical unmanned aerial systems to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

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Japan Wants Palantir, Anduril AI in Its Military Decision Loop

Japan is looking to put US-made AI deeper into its military decision-making, with systems from Palantir and Anduril being considered to help its Self-Defense Forces process information and act faster.

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Japan Taps Quantum Systems to Develop Drone Killers

Tokyo has signed on Quantum Systems to help develop and evaluate next-generation interceptor drones under the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency’s Counter Unmanned Aerial System Proof-of-Concept effort.

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Japan Approves Air and Space Self-Defense Force Reorganization

Tokyo has approved legislation to rename the Japan Air Self-Defense Force to the Air and Space Self-Defense Force, marking the first name change for one of the country's military branches since its armed forces were established in the 1950s.

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Japan Rolls Out First Armored Modular Vehicle to Replace Aging Type-96 Fleet

Japan’s first mass-produced Armored Modular Vehicle, intended to replace the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s (JGSDF) aging Type-96 personnel carriers, has been rolled out. 

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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.

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Japan Seeks Record Defense Budget, to Triple Drone Spending

Japan's defense ministry is aiming for a major boost to its drone arsenal as part of another record spending request.

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