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DCNS Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A. DCNS Photo
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — France’s DCNS has won Australia’s keenly-watched, $38.5 billion Project SEA 1000 Future Submarine program to replace six Collins-class submarines currently in service with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Read More
Mitsubishi F-15J. Photo by Toshi Aoki via Wikipedia
The cabinet of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has approved a record $42.1 billion 2016 defense budget largely seen as a response to China’s rapidly expanding military, particularly the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Read More
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, center, listens as Capt. Christopher Bolt, left, commanding officer of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) on Oct. 18, 2015. US Navy Photo
Shinzo Abe became the first sitting Japanese prime minister to visit a U.S. aircraft carrier when his helicopter landed onboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) on Sunday. Read More
Undated photo of Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force submarine Soryu (SS-501)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — Japan’s submarine bid team has outlined the details of its proposal for Australia’s SEA1000 Future Submarine program to replace the Royal Australian Navy’s existing Collins-class boats. Read More
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reviews members of Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) Oct. 26, 2014. Reuters Photo
The government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has proposed major changes in Japan’s defense policy, with strong implications for the United States and U.S. armed forces in the Pacific. The changes, designed to shift Japan away from an isolated, pacifistic defense posture to a more dynamic one based on bilateral and even multilateral relationships, are controversial but not uncommon to most nations. Read More
Collins-class attack boats HMAS Dechaineux leads HMAS Waller and HMAS Sheean in formation in Cockburn Sound, near Rockingham Western Australia in 2013. RAN Photo
The following is a Feb. 20, 2015 statement from the Australian Ministry on Defence on the country’s acquisition strategy for the replacement of the Collins-class submarines. Read More
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) soldier advances positions while his squad member provides cover during an amphibious assault at Pyramid Rock Beach on July 1, 2014. US Navy Photo
Japan’s security environment is “increasingly severe”, according to the Ministry of Defense released its annual defense policy white paper. The report singles out China, Russia and North Korea as potential security threats involving cyber attacks, provocations on the high seas and nuclear weapons. Read More
Japanese Soryu-class class submarine. JSDF Photo
Japanese and Australian leaders plan to sign an agreement Tuesday that would clear the way for the two countries to collaborate on a future submarine design as Japan seeks to export its military technology against the backdrop of a rising China. Read More
A government advisory panel, convened by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, recommended today that Japan make major changes to its defense policy. Prompted by recent tensions with China and North Korea, the panel recommended a reinterpretation of the national Constitution allowing Japan to exercise its right to collective self defense. Read More
