Japan Prioritizes Unmanned Combat Capabilities for 'Remilitarisation' Agenda
Quick Look
Japan is focusing on unmanned combat capabilities to build asymmetric advantages and advance its 'remilitarisation' agenda, planning to invest 1 trillion yen (US$6.2 billion) in uncrewed systems over five years starting in 2023.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Japan's three key national security documents, passed in 2022, identified unmanned defence capabilities as a priority to establish Japan’s counterstrike ability.
“Japan is seeking to build asymmetric advantages on future battlefields by relying on unmanned combat capabilities, thereby advancing its broader agenda of ‘remilitarisation’ – a trend whose potential risks should not be underestimated,” another article stated.
It said Japan’s three key national security documents, passed in 2022, had identified “unmanned defence capabilities” as a priority to establish Japan’s counterstrike ability.
In its 2022 Defence Build-up Programme, Japan said it would invest 1 trillion yen (US$6.2 billion) in uncrewed systems over the five-year period starting in 2023.
Open Questions
- What specific unmanned systems will Japan acquire?
- How will this impact regional security alliances?
