The Self-Defense Forces struggles to balance discipline, prevent harassment, address recruitment issues, and improve conditions for personnel pride.
In this fourth in a series, Ground Self-Defense Forces learn naval skills, Air SDF operations open to civilians, and integrated services open to new domains.
The Self-Defense Forces have come far. Their next decade will be defined by ongoing minesweeping and the rising burden of scrambles against Chinese threats.
SeaGuardian is said to be a game changer that will revolutionize maritime security, capable of capturing detailed footage of ships over 9 miles away.
Changing the export rules to make the engines available to like-minded countries with F-15 and F-16 fighter jets benefits Japan in ways well beyond the money.
Faced with North Korea's rapid missile development, "We will consider all defense options, including the so-called counterstrike capability," he says.
This happens as Chinese companies aggressively seek inroads in Pacific Island nations in the areas of cable and cell phone operations and port facilities.
Officials hope that clearer rules and a chance to comply voluntarily will make it easier for foreign nationals to live and work within their visa limits...
