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Tim Kelly
JAPAN
Feb 21, 2018
Japan to buy at least 20 more F-35A stealth fighters, with some or all assembled in U.S.: sources
Japan plans to buy at least 20 additional F-35A stealth fighters over the next six years, some or all of which it may purchase directly from U.S.-based Lockheed Martin Corp. rather than having them assembled by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., its primary defense contractor, three sources said.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 11, 2017
Japan to build four radar stations for the Philippines to counter piracy surge, sources say
Japan will build four coast guard radar stations on islands in the Sulu Celebes Seas separating the Philippines and Indonesia to help Manila counter a surge in piracy by Islamic insurgents, two sources said.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 11, 2017
Japan said to offer chopper parts to Philippines as counter to China
Japan will use spare helicopter parts to curry favor with the Philippines as China continues to aggressively press its claims in the South China Sea.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 26, 2017
U.S. warship stayed on deadly collision course despite warning, container ship captain says
The U.S. warship struck by a container vessel off the Izu Peninsula failed to respond to warning signals or take evasive action before a collision that killed seven of its crew, according to a report of the incident by the Philippine cargo ship's captain.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 11, 2017
Japanese arms makers muster at MAST to build ties with Southeast Asia
Defense firms put their wares on display Monday at Japan's only dedicated arms show, a site for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government to promote industrial military ties that will bolster the country's influence in Southeast Asia.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
May 23, 2017
U.S. and Japanese firms collaborating on new missile defense radar, sources say
Raytheon and Lockheed Martin are working with Japanese partners on rival projects, government and defense industry sources in Tokyo said.
ASIA PACIFIC
Mar 18, 2017
French carrier to lead joint amphibious Pacific drill with Japanese, U.S. personnel in show of force aimed at China
In a display of military power aimed at China, France will dispatch one of its powerful Mistral amphibious carriers to lead drills on and around Tinian island in the Western Pacific, with Japanese and U.S. personnel and two troop-carrying helicopters sent by Britain, two sources have said.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 13, 2017
In show of naval force, Japan to send its largest warship to South China Sea
Japan plans to dispatch its largest warship on a three-month tour through the South China Sea beginning in May, three sources said, in its biggest show of naval force in the region since World War II.
JAPAN
Mar 8, 2017
As North Korea missile threat grows, Japan lawmakers argue for first strike options
Rattled by North Korean military advances, influential Japanese lawmakers are pushing harder for Japan to develop the ability to strike preemptively at the missile facilities of its nuclear-armed neighbor.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 23, 2016
Tokyo hawks air defense radar to Thailand as Beijing cozies up to Bangkok
With U.S. contractors blocked and Chinese influence growing in Southeast Asia, Japan is offering Thailand an air defense radar system to bolster its position in the region.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 12, 2016
Can Prime Minister Abe, U.S. President-elect Trump unite on China?
President-elect Trump's meeting next Thursday with Prime Minister Abe may mark the start of talks to garner Japan's support for a push back against China's growing influence.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Oct 26, 2016
San Diego to South China Sea: U.S. Navy tested new command in latest challenge to China
The U.S. Navy destroyer that sailed near Chinese-claimed islands in the South China Sea last week was under orders from the Third Fleet headquarters in San Diego, a first aimed at bolstering U.S. maritime power in the region, two sources said.
Japan Times
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Oct 11, 2016
Difficult choice on Japan's new stealth jet fighter looms over Tokyo air show
Faced with the growing North Korean threat and expanding Chinese power, Japan's defense and aerospace industry will use this week's air show in Tokyo to push the case to develop a highly advanced, and costly, stealth fighter jet.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 4, 2016
20 years of North Korean missile strides put Japan's U.S.-reliant defenses on notice
Successful rocket tests have propelled North Korea ahead in its one-sided arms race with Japan, leaving the government unsure it could fend off a missile strike without U.S. help.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jul 29, 2016
North Korea threat prompts Japan to upgrade Patriot batteries in time for Olympics: sources
Japan is upgrading its Patriot PAC-3 missile defense system in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, adding range and accuracy needed to intercept more advanced North Korean ballistic missiles, four sources with knowledge of the plan said.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Mar 1, 2016
Toshiba reportedly mulling battery plant in Australia as Japan seeks sub deal
The government has enlisted Toshiba Corp. to help it try to win Asia's biggest defense contract, a $36 billion deal to build a dozen submarines for Australia, three sources said.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jan 23, 2016
Australian submarine tender narrows to Japanese and French bids: sources
The competition for a 50 billion Australian dollar ($34.55 billion) contract to build Australia's next submarine fleet is narrowing to a race between Japan and France as a bid from Germany's Thyssen-Krupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has lost ground over technical concerns, multiple sources said.
ASIA PACIFIC
Dec 15, 2015
U.S. Navy commander warns of possible South China Sea arms race
The U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander has warned of a possible arms race in the disputed South China Sea which could engulf the region, as nations become increasingly tempted to use military force to settle territorial spats instead of international law.
JAPAN / Politics
May 9, 2015
Japan, Philippines to hold first naval drill in South China Sea: sources
Japan and the Philippines will hold their first joint naval drill this month in the South China Sea near a disputed shoal claimed by Beijing, sources in Tokyo and the Philippines said.
Japan Times
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Apr 23, 2015
New security law may drag SDF into conflicts in South China Sea
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's plans to expand Japan's noncombat role in armed conflicts beyond "areas around Japan" could see Tokyo becoming dragged into action in the South China Sea in support of U.S. forces, government and ruling party sources say.

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