ASSESSMENTS

Japan Modernizes Its Air Force, but Will It Be Enough?

Nov 20, 2019 | 10:00 GMT

An Oct. 14, 2018, photo shows an F-35A fighter aircraft of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force taking part in a military review at Asaka training ground in Asaka, Saitama prefecture, Japan.

An Oct. 14, 2018, photo shows an F-35A fighter aircraft of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force taking part in a military review at Asaka training ground in Asaka, Saitama prefecture, Japan.

(KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images)

Highlights

  • Japan is accelerating the buildup of its offensive capabilities as part of its military normalization process, with its air force at the forefront of the effort.
  • The newly acquired JASDF offensive capabilities will greatly enhance Japan's flexibility and independence in its defense. 
  • A multiplicity of threats and a struggling domestic defense industry will continue to pose challenges for Japan.

Japan is accelerating its military normalization process by building up its offensive capabilities, and especially those of its Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). The Oct. 29 U.S. approval of Japan's request for a major upgrade to its F-15J fighter aircraft that will see 98 of the jets equipped with advanced radarĀ and the ability to fire cruise missiles marks a critical step in Japan's move away from its post-World War II pacifist stance. A stronger, better rounded JASDF will enhance Tokyo's defense options. But in an increasingly complex threat environment including an expanding Chinese military and a declining Japanese aerospace defense industry, Japan will have its work cut out for it when it comes to national defense....

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