Japanese engineering giant in aerospace, energy and defense
Japan has activated long-range missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles at two military bases, marking a significant shift in its defense policy. The deployment aims to enhance deterrence against China and North Korea, with plans for further weapon system deployments by 2028.
Since October, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pushed a rapid reorientation of Japan's postwar posture: her government has eased lethal-weapons export rules, the ruling party has opened formal talks on revising the pacifist constitution, and Tokyo has expanded defence ties and arms sales with partners including Australia and potential buyers such as the Philippines and Poland.
From May 4–5, Japan has signed defence and security pacts with Indonesia and Australia and has elevated economic and energy cooperation with Australia. Tokyo has agreed frameworks for defence-industry cooperation, intelligence sharing and joint exercises with Indonesia, and has agreed a package with Australia on energy, critical minerals and deeper defence collaboration.