Japan has called for strengthening its defence industry, expanding arms exports and deepening security cooperation with allies as it confronts what it describes as an increasingly severe security environment, according to its annual defence white paper released on Tuesday.
The 600-page Defence of Japan 2026 report says the country must bolster its domestic defence production base and invest in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and drones, to keep pace with evolving warfare and maintain a credible deterrent in the Indo-Pacific.
The report warns that the withdrawal or downsising of Japanese defence companies could undermine the stable supply of equipment for the Self-Defence Forces while weakening innovation and technological competitiveness.
China, North Korea dominate threat assessment
The white paper identifies China's expanding military activities as an "unprecedented" strategic challenge, citing increased aircraft carrier operations in the Pacific, close encounters between Chinese and Japanese aircraft, and what it describes as efforts to normalise Beijing's military presence around Taiwan.
It also labels North Korea an "imminent threat," pointing to advances in Pyongyang's missile technology, including hypersonic weapons, expanded naval and unmanned capabilities, and growing military cooperation with Russia.
The report highlights defence cooperation with the United States and international projects such as Australia's Mogami-class frigate programme and the Global Combat Air Program with Britain and Italy.
China rejected the report's assessment, with Defence Ministry spokesperson Chen Xi accusing Japan of exaggerating the "China threat" to justify expanding its military capabilities.
