Japan defense report calls for stronger industrial base, arms exports

TOKYO - Japan's Defense Ministry said in its annual report released Tuesday that the country must strengthen its defense industry, expand arms exports and deepen ties with security partners to reinforce deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region, citing an increasingly severe security environment and "new ways of warfare."

The white paper, "Defense of Japan 2026," stressed the importance of maintaining advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and drones, as well as a stable domestic production base as countries compete to develop next-generation defense capabilities.