How Takaichi’s supermajority in Japan rewrites the strategic map of Southeast Asia
A unified force in Japan's House of Representatives opens the door for widespread military reform under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, writes analyst Ronny Sasmita.
Grok for DoD and subs for North Korea: What you missed in defense over the break
Successfully tune out the news over the holidays? We don't believe you, but just in case ...
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How the “Doomsday Plane” contract highlights the rise of mid-tier primes
Midsized companies can offer flexibility and agility while keeping intellectual property in the hands of the government.
China to once again dominate the headlines: 2026 preview for the Indo-Pacific
China will almost certainly dominate the defense and security headlines in the coming months, as tensions continue to simmer in the South China Sea and around Taiwan.
China showed off its nukes and caused problems in the region: 5 Indo-Pacific stories from 2025
China was once again at the forefront of Indo-Pacific news in 2025.
Hung Cao and the new Pacific defense architecture
Robbin Laird and Edward Timperlake discuss newly-appointed Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao’s thoughts on Guam and Vietnam’s roles in the Indo-Pacific when it comes to deterring China.
As China pushes out from the First Island Chain, US allies like Japan and the Philippines surveil from nearby
Industrial imbalance grows in the Indo-Pacific as China outbuilds the region in ships and rockets.
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Shaping the future of airpower in the Indo-Pacific: GA-ASI’s revolutionary approach
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has been the trailblazer in the UAS revolution for over three decades.
The role of Japan and the Philippines in resisting a Chinese blockade of Taiwan
Strategic geography, resupply corridors, and maritime access underscore Manila and Tokyo’s ability to assist Taiwan.
Logistics is the Achilles’ heel of China deterrence
In this op-ed, Eyck Freymann and Harry Halem lay out three areas where action is needed to avoid a logistical catastrophe in deterring China.
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.
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Undersea superiority: ASELSAN’s integrated approach to naval defense
As global navies adapt to evolving underwater threats, ASELSAN’s integrated sonar, countermeasure, and sonobuoy solutions offer a scalable, future-ready approach.
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.