Japan Defense Review: Military Needs Marines And Drones

Japan should strengthen the ability of its military to deter and counter missile attacks, including the possible acquisition of the ability to hit enemy bases, the Defence Ministry said, but officials denied this would be used for pre-emptive strikes.(Reuters)

Japan Recommends Military Upgrades, Including Buying Drones -- Washington Post

SEOUL — Japan’s defense ministry on Friday recommended significant upgrades in the country’s military capabilities, including the purchase of surveillance drones, citing increasing security tensions in the region.

The plans were outlined in an interim report about overhauls to Japan’s defense strategy. Although a final determination won’t come until the end of the year, the report hints at the nation’s new defense tactics under hawkish Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has pledged to loosen restrictions on Japan’s pacifist forces.

In addition to buying drones, Japan should also consider strengthening deterrence against ballistic missile strikes and establishing a marine forces unit to counter attacks on remote islands, according to a preliminary translation of the report. The report said Japan’s defense policies needed to be reviewed in the wake of North Korean missile and nuclear tests and “China’s increasing [maritime] activities in Japan’s vicinity.”

Read more ....

More News On The Japan Defense Review Concluding That The Military Needs Marines And Drones

Japan Defense Paper Calls for Strengthened Military -- Voice of America
Japan military 'needs marines and drones' -- BBC
Japan to mull ability to hit enemy bases in defense review -- Reuters
Japan eyeing Marines, drones in long-term defence plan -- Global Post/AFP
Japan Defense Ministry calls for strengthening defense capabilities -- UPI
Japanese defense paper says military needs to strengthening amid threat from China, NKorea -- TribTown/AP
Japan Outlines Enhanced Defense Plans -- Wall Street Journal
Japanese Minister Proposes More Active Military Presence in Region -- New York Times
China Ships Ply Disputed Waters as Japan Mulls Marine Forces -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Review calls for bolstering of Japan's self-defence capability -- Australia Network News