Defence Japan's lacking ISR architecture

[thomas]

The Diplomat on what Japan would need to effectively counter China's military challenges (apart from spending many more trillions of yen):

Japan is bolstering its Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) with long-range munitions and launchers in response to China's expanding conventional and amphibious assault capabilities. However, Japan's defence strategy lacks a robust intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) system for distant target engagement. Although the Defense Buildup Program allocates about 3 trillion JPY for unmanned systems and space capabilities, this sum represents only a tiny portion of the necessary investment. To counter China's advanced strike and space denial abilities, the JSDF must enhance its ISR infrastructure with more airborne and space-based sensors to ensure effective long-range operations. Without this investment, Japan's defence efforts may remain incomplete.

Japan wants long-range strike assets, which demands an ISR architecture to support it. Spending on munitions without the correct sensing capabilities will only waste effort and critical resourcing. Increasing the capacity and survivability of the JSDF's ISR assets will be an essential line of effort over the lifespan of the Defense Buildup Program and beyond as Japan's long-range strike capabilities mature. Assets such as unmanned systems, distributed space-based sensing, and additional mobile radar are all potential options for the JSDF to pursue to get its ISR needs. That will require Japan to refocus its efforts away from traditional spending pathologies and to truly narrow its focus on building a credible strike capability. Achieving well-built, capable ISR infrastructure will be complex, but doing so underpins Japan's long-range strike ambitions.

What’s Missing From Japan’s Defense Buildup?

Tokyo wants long-range strike assets, but these demand the support of a robust intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance architecture.

thediplomat.com