Japan’s economy has been stagnating for decades. Once a global economic powerhouse, second only to the United States, there was even a time when Japan seemed poised to overtake the US. Economic strength is often tied to military power, and Japan, despite its pacifist stance, had the financial capability to support a strong and well-equipped military. However, as the economy faltered, Japan was surpassed by other major economies, from Western nations to emerging Asian neighbors. This decline has led to Japan being considered a forgotten powerhouse, but that perception may be changing. Although Japan’s economic recovery remains uncertain, it has been increasing its military budget.
In 2022, Japan proposed to double its defense budget to around $107 billion USD, or 2% of its GDP, which would place it among the world’s largest defense spenders. Although the increase didn’t happen as quickly as proposed, Japan continues to invest in upgrading its military equipment, including fighter jets and naval forces. So, how capable is Japan’s new military? Can it still stand as a dominant force in Asia, or is it overshadowed by China and other regional powers? Let’s take a closer look at Japan’s military assets, both currently in use and those planned for the future.
Japan’s military, known as the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), has three branches: the Ground Self-Defense Force, the Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the Air Self-Defense Force. Each branch plays a vital role in Japan’s defense strategy, from land operations to air and naval combat. Let’s start with the Ground Self-Defense Force.
The ground forces are equipped with battle tanks, infantry weapons, artillery, and other land-based systems. According to GlobalFirePower, Japan’s ground forces have around 518 tanks, 37,662 vehicles, 173 self-propelled artillery pieces, 480 towed artillery pieces, and 54 rocket artillery systems.
One of Japan’s most advanced armored vehicles is the Type 10 Hitomaru Main Battle Tank. Developed in the 1990s and produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries since 2010, the Type 10 is designed for modern warfare. Another key vehicle is the Mitsubishi Type 89 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Komatsu Limited, which has been in service since 1989.
Moving on to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, this branch oversees Japan’s naval forces. According to GlobalFirePower, the Japanese navy has over 155 total assets, including 4 helicopter carriers, 36 destroyers, 4 frigates, 6 corvettes, 23 submarines, 6 patrol vessels, and 23 mine warfare vessels.
Japan’s submarine fleet includes the Oyashio-class submarines, which are diesel-electric patrol submarines built between 1994 and 2006 by Kawasaki Shipbuilding and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Although older, they are known for their stealth and size. The Sōryū-class submarines, built between 2008 and 2019, are an improved version of the Oyashio-class, while the more recent Taigei-class attack submarines, with their advanced technology, began service in 2022.
Japan’s navy also deploys helicopter carriers, including the Hyūga-class and Izumo-class carriers. The Hyūga-class, built by IHI Marine United, are designed for anti-submarine missions and can carry up to 11 helicopters. The Izumo-class, Japan’s largest surface combatants, are built by Japan Marine United Corporation and can carry up to nine helicopters.
In terms of destroyers, Japan fields the Kongō-class guided missile destroyers, built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and IHI Corporation. These destroyers are a modified version of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Japan is also developing Mogami-Class Multirole Frigates, a project that began in 2015, with plans to build 22 frigates, eight of which are already in development.
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force operates 1,459 aircraft, including 217 fighters, 36 attack types, 56 transport aircraft, 420 trainers, and 577 helicopters. Japan’s fighter fleet includes US-designed aircraft like the F-15 Eagle and F-35 Lightning II, as well as locally produced jets like the Mitsubishi F-2, developed in collaboration with the US. Another key asset is the Kawasaki C-2 transport aircraft, known for its advanced technology and large cargo capacity.
Looking to the future, Japan is developing its first new fighter aircraft in nearly 30 years, the Mitsubishi F-X. Set to incorporate technology from American jets like the F-22 and F-35, the F-X is expected to begin production in the 2030s and will replace the aging Mitsubishi F-2. In the naval sector, Japan is working on the 13DDX Air Defense Destroyer project, which is expected to enter service in the early 2030s.
Japan is also investing heavily in missile systems. In response to China’s growing missile threat, Japan is developing a new long-range anti-ship cruise missile with a range of 2,000 kilometers. Additionally, the Ministry of Defense has signed contracts with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to develop standoff and hypersonic weapons, including upgrades to the Type 12 surface-to-ship missile and a new Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP).
So, how strong is Japan’s military today? As we’ve seen, Japan continues to modernize its forces with advanced technology. While Japan’s lack of aircraft carriers and reliance on the United States for some equipment could be challenges in the future, the country remains a formidable military power in Asia.