- 14 Mar 2002
- 21,053
- 18,908
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 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.
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