Japan's Defense Ministry Calls for Stronger Industrial Base and Increased Arms Exports

Japan's Defense Ministry released its annual white paper on Tuesday, calling for a stronger domestic defense industry, expanded arms exports, and deeper ties with security partners to reinforce deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. The report, titled Defense of Japan 2026, emphasizes the need to maintain advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and drones while ensuring a stable domestic production base. It warns that the downsizing of Japanese defense businesses could hinder the supply of equipment for the Self-Defense Forces and erode the country's technological edge.

The report identifies China's military activities as the greatest strategic challenge Japan faces, citing aircraft carrier operations in the Pacific and efforts to normalize its military presence around Taiwan. It also describes North Korea as an imminent threat due to advances in missile technology and military cooperation with Russia. To address these threats, the report suggests expanding security partnerships, highlighting the Global Combat Air Program with Britain and Italy and Australia's Mogami-class frigate program.

Different perspectives emerged regarding the implications of this policy. A center-left source framed the move as Tokyo positioning the military industry as a new engine for economic growth after decades of limited military activity. Meanwhile, a center-right source highlighted the alarm sounded over China's Pacific footprint. In response, Chinese defense ministry spokesman Chen Xi dismissed the white paper as being replete with false narratives and accused Japan of neo-militarism and war preparations.

To reach a broader audience, the Defense Ministry released promotional videos on X and YouTube alongside the report. The document also notes that the nature of warfare is changing, citing the use of low-cost drones and information warfare seen in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.