Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi meets with senior officials of data analysis company Palantir Technologies Inc. during a visit to Washington on Jan. 16, 2026. Their discussion focused on the use of AI and drone technologies in the defense field. (Kyodo)

TOKYO - Japan's Defense Ministry is considering introducing U.S.-developed artificial intelligence into command and control for Self-Defense Forces units, sources close to the matter said Monday.

The aim is to speed up decision-making by using AI to support battlefield analysis, target analyses and the issuance of orders, the sources added.

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