Reapers to recon: American planes at Kadena Air Base in Japan [PHOTOS]
Breaking Defense recently visited Japan's Kadena Air Base. Check out some select photos from the trip.
Chinese fighters intercepted Japanese surveillance planes during carrier exercise: Official
JMSDF Capt. Naoto Tabata told Breaking Defense that one time the Chinese jets came as close as 45 meters (147 feet) from the surveillance birds.
How AI is shaping geospatial intelligence
Breaking Defense’s latest eBook brings together reporting from GEOINT 2026 on how intelligence leaders are shaping the future of space-based geospatial intelligence.
Okinawa-based F-15 squadrons responsible for nearly 60 percent of country’s scrambles
"We conduct surveillance of Japan's airspace in the area on a 24/7 basis and maintain readiness for any situation by utilizing all the systems and assets available to us," Col. Hideo Kiyonaga, chief of staff at the headquarters of the Southwestern Air Defense Force, told Breaking Defense.
GCAP 6th-gen fighter project names sensor group, exec doubts changes to ‘core team’
Despite the current drama in the rival FCAS program, Leonardo UK's Andrew Howard said he expects FCAS to deliver a "very good capability."
Japan’s $60B defense budget request seeks funding for coastal defense network, more F-35s
The Japanese budget request for the coming fiscal year also includes several systems from the US, including KC-46 tankers.
Fire extinguished on US Navy amphib New Orleans, operating near Japan
The cause of the fire is under investigation, as the Navy said two sailors were treated for minor injuries.
How integrated modeling and simulation accelerates Europe’s defensive edge
Lockheed Martin’s ACES platform delivers a shared virtual battlespace that strengthens readiness, interoperability, and faster decision-making through advanced, integrated modeling and simulation capabilities designed for evolving global threats.
Super carriers, smaller carriers rise across the Indo-Pacific
Amid debate over aircraft carriers' vulnerability, analysts told Breaking Defense global interest is strong.
Japanese defense minister welcomes Australian frigate decision, but analysts warn risks remain
“Japan and Australia are special strategic partners, and this was a major step toward further enhancing security cooperation with Australia,” said Gen Nakatani, Japanese defense minister.
Australia selects Japan’s Mogami frigate in $6.5B deal
The deal, for 11 frigates, represents the first major arms sale for Japan since World War II.
Criticism, questions mount about AUKUS & US relations in Australia
"As the geopolitical landscape rapidly shifts, half the population (51%) say Australia should increase defence spending, while a minority (37%) say spending should remain at about the same level as now. Majority support for acquiring nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS has held firm (67%)," a Lowy Institute poll on national security issue found last month.
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How defensive cyber responds to hockey-stick growth of AI-driven threats
Artificial intelligence is reshaping adversarial cyber operations at machine speed, requiring defenders to increase operational tempo while imposing pain and cost.
UK reveals future fighter demonstrator design, advances GCAP tech de-risking
An artist rendering of the demonstrator, set to fly for the first time in 2027, showcases a design complete with a single cockpit, twin engine, canted twin tail and delta wing blueprint.
Japan’s Mogami offer, including IP rights, could be model for Tokyo’s future exports
Sharing MHI's IP with Australia and other measures "goes to show how serious Japan are and how this is a whole of defense (industry & government) effort from Japan," Peter Dean at the US Studies Center said. "They are seeing this as a long-term strategic partnership not just a short-term commercial sale, and that is the best way for them to position themselves to be as competitive as they can be."
Lockheed delivers first SPY-7 radar antennas to Japan
Japan plans to commission its two Aegis System Equipped Vessels in 2027 and 2028.
Japan’s government pushes hard to woo Aussies with advanced frigate
“We the Japanese government will guarantee that the whole project, and all the contracts will go smoothly so that there will not be any delay to the project,” Osamu Nishiwaki, a top official at Japan's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA), told reporters.