Lockheed Martin to provide anti-jamming payload for Japan’s next-generation defense communications satellite program
Lockheed Martin will provide an advanced anti-jamming payload for Japan’s Next-Generation Defense Satellite Communication System.
Lockheed Martin and Fujitsu formalize first SPY-7 radar component order for Japan’s ASEV program
Lockheed Martin and Fujitsu Limited have finalized the first purchase order for a critical component of Japan’s Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) SPY-7 radar antenna.
Japan Air Self-Defence Force formally inducts first F-35B fighter aircraft into service
On February 7, at Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture, the Japan Air Self-Defence Force officially inducted its first F-35B Lightning II fighters, aircraft designed for short takeoff and vertical landing operations.
U.S. Air Force deploys 356th F-35A squadron to Kadena Air Base under Pacific fighter rotation scheme
The U.S. Air Force has deployed F-35A Lightning II aircraft from the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to Kadena Air Base as part of its fighter rotation programme.
Japan approves record defence budget for 2026 as spending rises towards 2% of GDP goal path ahead
On 26 December, the Japanese government approved a defence budget of more than JPY 9 trillion, equivalent to over USD 57.6 billion, for the 2026 fiscal year.
Japan orders additional Joint Strike Missiles from Kongsberg for F-35A fighter fleet
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has signed a fifth follow-on contract with Japan to deliver the Joint Strike Missile for the country’s F-35A fighter aircraft fleet.
B-1B Lancers conclude Bomber Task Force deployment and depart Misawa Air Base in Japan
U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers and personnel from the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base have departed Misawa Air Base after completing a Bomber Task Force deployment.
U.S. approves Japan’s 82 million USD request for precision munitions to strengthen air capabilities
The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan for munitions and related equipment valued at 82 million USD, with the Defense Security Cooperation Agency issuing the required certification to Congress.
U.S. Marines execute first HIMARS live fire at Camp Fuji in significant U.S. Japan security milestone
U.S. Marines carry out a historic High Mobility Artillery Rocket System live fire at the Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji on 27 October, marking a significant moment for U.S. defence two weeks before the Marine Corps Birthday.
ICEYE and IHI sign agreement to build satellite constellation for Earth Observation in Japan
ICEYE and Japan’s IHI Corporation have signed a procurement contract to build an Earth observation satellite constellation for security, civilian, and commercial applications.
United States and Japan launch SAMURAI initiative to advance AI safety in unmanned aerial vehicles
The U.S. Department of War and Japan’s Ministry of Defense have formalised a project arrangement establishing the Strategic Advancement of Mutual Runtime Assurance Artificial Intelligence (SAMURAI) initiative.
Patria: first AMV XP 8×8 delivered to Japan Self-Ground Defense Forces under WAPC programme
The first Patria AMV XP 8x8 armoured vehicle has been delivered by Japan Steel Works (JSW) to the Japan Self-Ground Defense Forces (JSGDF) as part of the Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier (WAPC) 8x8 programme.