On March 3, the Okinawa Defense Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Defense (JMOD) released materials from a briefing held the previous day in Yonaguni Town regarding plans to deploy a medium-range surface-to-air missile unit on Yonaguni Island located close to Taiwan.In the briefing materials,[1] JMOD is seeking local residents’ understanding regarding its plans to deploy an upgraded version of the T…
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JMOD Details Type-03 Missile Plans In Briefing to Yonaguni R…
On March 3, the Okinawa Defense Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Defense (JMOD) released materials from a briefing held the previous day in Yonaguni Town regarding plans to deploy a medium-range surface-to-air missile unit on Yonaguni Island located close to Taiwan.In the briefing materials,[1] JMOD is seeking local residents’ understanding regarding its plans to deploy an upgraded version of the T…
KDDI, Secom and TIER IV to Test AI-Powered Remote Surveillan…
On February 26, Japanese telecommunications giant KDDI Corporation announced that it had been contracted by Japan’s Ministry of Defense (JMOD) for a project to develop a remote camp surveillance system for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) in collaboration with Japanese security firm Secom Co., Ltd.In a joint press release,[1] the two companies said the system will integrate fixed AI-en…
JGSDF Conducts Exercise to Boost Maritime Navigational Capab…
Earlier this month, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) took a central role in a maritime navigation training exercise using the transport ship Nihonbare. The vessel is intended to support the rapid movement of personnel, vehicles, and supplies between Honshu and the southwestern Nansei Islands, supporting littoral operations across the Japanese island chain located near Taiwan.The exercis…
ATLA’s R&D into a “Mobile Communications Infrastructure Sy…
Japan’s Ministry of Defense (JMOD) recently released an evaluation report on a prospective research and development (R&D) project for a “Mobile Communications Infrastructure System (tentative)" (移動通信基盤構成装置), designed to provide the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) with high-speed, high-capacity multilayered communications over long distances and featuring autonomous calibration …
Turing Inc. Wins ATLA Verification Contract for Autonomous D…
On October 3, Turing Inc., a Japanese developer of autonomous driving systems, announced that it has entered into a service contract with the Ground Systems Research Center of the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) for a verification project on “End-to-End Autonomous Driving Technology”.The contract, which runs until March 23, 2026, will involve Turing Inc. leveraging its AI-enabl…
Ground Self-Defense Force Tests Unmanned VTOLs for Island Re…
On March 21, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) announced that it has conducted an “automatic flight verification” of an unmanned vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd (MHI) in Aichi, Japan.[1] Three days earlier, the JGSDF also revealed it plans to test the “Chaparral”, a VTOL drone developed by U.S.-based Elroy Air. Both unmanned ae…
Tokyo Delivers Six Additional Mitsubishi Type 73 Light Truck…
On February 4, the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD) announced the shipment of six Mitsubishi Type 73 light trucks used by the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) to Ukraine in response to a request from the government in Kyiv.This latest delivery brings the total number of JSDF vehicles provided to Ukraine to 101, including the Type 73 "1/2 Ton Truck" [1] manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors, the “High …
AUSA 2024 Company Report (7): “Wilcox” High Performance La…
About Wilcox Wilcox Industries, established in 1982 in Newington, New Hampshire, designs and manufactures advanced tactical equipment for the military and law enforcement agencies. Its main products include “NVG Mounting Systems,” “Laser Systems,” and “Life Support Systems”. The company’s equipment designed for special operations and emergency response, such as night vision goggle mounts a…
AUSA 2024 Company Report (4): Advanced Tactical Gear Manufac…
About TYR Tactical TYR Tactical is a high-quality tactical gear manufacturer from the USA established in 2010. TYR Tactical’s products include “ballistic plate carriers”, “body armor and shields”, as well as various accessories, that are designed to meet the needs of frontline operatives by incorporating innovative designs and advanced materials. TYR Tactical is a trusted brand among profes…
Anti-Drone “High-Energy Laser” Unveiled by Japan Ground Se…
On November 9, a high-power laser for countering small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) was publicly revealed by the Ground Japan Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). Researched and developed by the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), the high-tech prototype device was shown mounted on top of a JGSDF ‘Heavy Wheeled Recovery Vehicle’ at an official ceremony on Saturday that marked the 70th An…
AUSA 2024 Company Report (1): The SPAFAX “Unbreakable Mirro…
On October 16, the NSBT Japan Media Team were given the opportunity at AUSA 2024 to learn about shatter-proof mirror technology for vehicle applications developed by SPAFAX International Limited, a United Kingdom-based company headquartered in Basingstoke with a network of subsidiaries in continental Europe. Nestled in the Small Business Pavilion at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, SPA…
Japan Self-Defense Forces Provide Defense Equipment to Vietn…
On August 6, Japan’s Defense Minister KIHARA Minoru held talks with Vietnam’s Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang. At the meeting, Defense Minister KIHARA agreed to provide Vietnam with two Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Multipurpose Material Handing Vehicles (PC-065B). This marks the first time that the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) have ever provided defense equipm…
ATLA Releases the Development Status of the "Railgun"
On December 5th, 2023, the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) released the development status of a "railgun," a device that shoots objects with electromagnetic force. In addition to test data on continuous firing conducted this year, archived videos from the "Technology Symposium 2023," an event held by the Agency in November of the same year, are also available. It explains the tec…
The Ministry of Defense to Support Ukraine in Demining
The Ministry of Defense has decided to participate in the “Demining Coalition,” composed of the U.S., Europe, and other countries, in support of Ukraine facing Russia’s invasion. It also plans to participate in the multinational framework of the “IT Coalition.” In support of demining, the Self-Defense Forces intend to contribute their expertise and removal equipment, as well as involve the U…
Ground Self-Defense Force to Upgrade Okinawa Unit, Urging Re…
The Ministry of Defense is coordinating the upgrade of the “Ground Self-Defense Force’s 15th Brigade” to a division, with the target year set for the fiscal year 2026. The 15th Brigade, responsible for the defense of the Nansei Islands primarily centered around Okinawa Prefecture, will be upgraded to enhance the defense posture in the southwestern region, particularly in preparation for Taiwan …
Ministry of Defense to Research and Develop Unmanned Ground …
The Ministry of Defense is undertaking research and development on unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to counter invasions of island territories including the Southwest Islands. The ministry plans to initiate this project within the current fiscal year and conduct operational demonstration tests in the late 2020s. These UGVs are designed to have the capability to respond to attacks by unmanned vehicl…
Ministry of Defense to Establish Maritime Transport Unit Cen…
The Ministry of Defense plans to establish the “Self-Defense Forces Maritime Transport Unit” by the end of fiscal year 2024, with the purpose of rapidly transporting equipment and supplies to the Southwest Islands. This joint unit, composed of the Ground and Maritime Self-Defense Forces, will have its command post located at the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Kure Naval Base in Hiroshima Prefect…
Ministry of Defense Grants UAV Interceptor Capability to "15…
The Ministry of Defense announced in its FY2023 "Preliminary Project Evaluation" released on September 8th, 2023, that it will pursue research and development of a new "integrated anti-aircraft fuse’’. Among UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) whose performance has been increasing in recent years, the policy is to utilize the "155mm howitzer" as a means of intercepting small and medium-sized UAVs …
Japanese Companies Under Consideration for Military Explosiv…
Amid the shortage of ammunition supplies for Ukraine, the U.S. is seeking cooperation from allies and volunteer countries, including Japan, for possible solutions. Securing the supplies needed to maintain Ukraine's ability to continue fighting remains is imperative and remains the U.S.’s top priority. Currently, the U.S. is seeking to procure explosives needed to increase the production of artil…
Japan to Deliver 100 Self-Defense Force Vehicles to Ukraine
In a demonstration of Japan’s continued support of Ukraine, on May 21st 2023, Prime Minister Kishida met with Ukrainian President Zelensky. During the meeting, the Japanese Prime Minister told the Ukrainian President that the Japanese government plans to send a total of 100 vehicles, including JSDF high-mobility vehicles (including vehicles for debris disposal and 30,000 emergency rations). Then…