Tag Archives: Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force

Chinese Aircraft Carrier Shandong Back in South China Sea

Chinese Aircraft Carrier Shandong Back in South China Sea

CNS Shandong (17). JMSDF Photo

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Shandong Carrier Strike Group returned to the South China Sea on Friday, according to a release by the Japanese Ministry of Defense. At the same time, five of the eight PLAN surface ships that had entered the Philippine Sea Monday via the Miyako Strait returned to the East China Sea Friday by the same route. Meanwhile, Western media outlets are reporting that Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu is under investigation for corruption and will likely be removed from office. Read More

Chinese Aircraft Carrier, Warships Massing for Major Exercise Near the Philippines

Chinese Aircraft Carrier, Warships Massing for Major Exercise Near the Philippines

A Taiwanese destroyer monitoring the People’s Liberation Army Navy aircraft carrier CNS Shandong (17). Taiwan Ministry of Defense Photo

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Shandong Carrier Strike Group is operating in the Philippine Sea, being shadowed separately by Republic of China Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyers, according to both countries. Read More

Japan Releases $53B Defense Budget Focused on Shipbuilding, Fighters

Japan Releases $53B Defense Budget Focused on Shipbuilding, Fighters

A Japanese Air Self Defense Force F-35A Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter in 2021. JSDF Photo

Japan’s Ministry of Defense requested on Thursday a record defense budget of $53 billion for Fiscal Year 2024, an increase over FY2023’s budget of $46.8 billion. The increased request reflects the Kishida administration’s intention to boost defense spending and capabilities over the next five years, though the final decision will be made by the Finance Ministry in December. Read More

Japan Warns World Facing its Greatest Post-WWII Period of Crisis

Japan Warns World Facing its Greatest Post-WWII Period of Crisis

JS Suzutsuki conducted a bilateral exercise with the French Navy Charles de Gaulle CSG in the vicinity of Western Arabian Sea. JMSDF Photo

Japanese defense officials warned the international community is facing its greatest post-war trial and has entered a new era of crisis. At the same time, Tokyo identified China, Russia and North Korea as the countries that pose a threat to Japan, according to the “Defense of Japan 2023” white paper. Read More