Japan Aims for Hypersonic Cruise Missile IOC in 2032
As a follow-up to the ongoing Type 25 SSM and Type 25 HGP hypersonic weapons, ATLA is planning to introduce a hypersonic cruise missile into the early 2030s.
Japan News
Air
Weapon / Missile
Defence Politics
Japan breaks defence export walls as production push grows
Tokyo’s political decision signals not just export liberalisation, but a broader effort to scale defence output and integrate Japan into US-led supply chains.
Unmanned Systems
Sensors
Analysis
TB2 vs Heron: Japan faces critical ISR strategy choice
Japan’s search for a new UAV, centred on TB2 and Heron Mk II, reflects a shift in ISR doctrine as it adapts to China’s growing presence in the Western Pacific.
Air
Weapon / Missile
Japan Takes Delivery of JSM Cruise Missiles for F-35 Fighters
The Japanese MoD announced the delivery of Joint Strike Missile (JSM) cruise missiles, specifically developed to fit inside F-35 internal bays, from Norway.
Navy / Maritime
Sensors
Lockheed Martin Delivers Second AN/SPY-7(V1) Radar to Japan
Lockheed Martin announced the delivery of the second AN/SPY-7(V1) S-band AESA radar suite to be integrated on JMSDF’s upcoming ASEV air defence destroyers.
Navy / Maritime
Weapon / Missile
Japan Demonstrates Barrel Roll for Evasion on Its New AShM
Japan’s ATLA shared a test of the new coastal anti-ship missile performing evasive maneouvres including a barrel roll to evade close-in weapon systems.
Navy / Maritime
Unmanned Systems
Homeland Security
Japan Announces SHIELD Coastal Defence System with UxVs
The Japanese MoD announced the SHIELD project, aiming for a coastal defence with a wide variety of unmanned systems against ships, submarines, and marines.
Navy / Maritime
Defence Politics
Nuclear Submarine as the Next Strategic Expansion for Japan?
Japan making moves to expand the strategic capabilities of its military - particularly JMSDF- is considering the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.
Unmanned Systems
Japan Tests TB2 UAVs as Defence Minister Visits Türkiye
While trials the Bayraktar TB2, Minister Gen Nakatani visited Ankara for cooperation and tech-sharing talks as TB2 UAV evaluations continue back in Japan.
Unmanned Systems
Japan Tests Turkish TB2 and Israeli Heron-2 Drones In Parallel
As part of a larger assessment of its regional military policy, Japan is looking at both Heron-2 and Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles at the same time.
Unmanned Systems
Japan tests Israeli Heron MK II amid drone fleet build-up
Tokyo expands its UAV capabilities for ISTAR missions with Heron MK II trials while boosting US Made SeaGuardian acquisitions for maritime surveillance.
Air
UK Backs Saudi Bid to Join GCAP Despite Japanese Resistance
Saudi Arabia moves closer to joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) fighter jet programme as London and Tokyo clash over Riyadh’s added value.
Navy / Maritime
Sensors
Lockheed Martin Delivers AN/SPY-7 Radars for Japan’s ASEV
Lockheed Martin announced first AN/SPY-7(V)1 AESA radars to be used on the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force’s future ASEV destroyers have been delivered.
Weapon / Missile
Japan Shows Launcher Truck for Hypersonic Glide Weapon
The launcher truck with two canisters for Japan’s new hypersonic glide weapon HGVP, which has been test-fired, was seen on a Japanese Telegram channel.
