This article is published in Aviation Week & Space Technology part of Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN), and is complimentary through Jan 15, 2025. For information on becoming an AWIN Member to access more content like this, click here.
A Lockheed Martin F-35B landed on the JS Kaga carrier to prepare for its introduction into Japanese service.
Defense modernization efforts in the Asia-Pacific region are entering a new phase as countries there start introducing new equipment to counter an increasingly aggressive China and look for tools to bolster their defenses further.
Gaining priority on the agenda are uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), asymmetrical warfare and missile acquisition and production, reflecting lessons from the war in Ukraine and the realization that any conflict with China will require deeper inventories.
- Australia expects to start fielding Joint Strike Missiles
- India and Singapore shop for transport aircraft
More critical in the near term may be armament efforts implemented in recent years that are now bearing fruit. Australia expects to start domestic production of guided rockets in 2025 as part of the country’s push to ensure a sovereign ability to meet its weapon needs. Canberra also expects to receive Kongsberg Joint Strike Missiles in the new year after fast-tracking the acquisition. Taiwan plans to build up its air defense capability as it fields delayed Lockheed Martin F-16V fighters.
Perhaps one of the clearest indicators of how much regional security has evolved over the past few years is how Japan is distancing itself from its decades-long national security policy of focusing exclusively on self-defense.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force soon will enter a new era of operating aircraft carriers, fielding the capability for the first time since the end of World War II. Japan has completed Lockheed Martin F-35B integration tests on its two Izumo-class carriers, and the first Japanese short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing-variant Joint Strike Fighters are due to arrive before April. The navy also is exploring UAS for maritime domain awareness, with the potential for these platforms to operate from the Izumo-class carriers.
Japan stands out for its sizable defense budget, which it is underlining with a record request of ¥8.5 trillion ($55.1 billion) for fiscal 2025.
Tokyo’s rapid investment in advanced technologies is yielding results. Japan successfully test-fired its first hypersonic missile in June, with further developments planned through 2025 and beyond.
Other countries across the Asia-Pacific region also are pursuing hypersonic missiles. India joined the club on Nov. 17 with the test of an unnamed system.
The U.S. and Australia continue to collaborate under the Southern Cross Integrated Flight Research Experiment and have airborne tests scheduled in Australia. The program now includes the UK, thanks to a new Hypersonic Flight Test and Experimentation Project Arrangement under the second pillar of the AUKUS agreement. The trilateral group aims to complete six flight tests by 2028.
The effectiveness of loitering munitions against personnel and armored vehicles in Ukraine has influenced Asian militaries, particularly those preparing for large-scale land and littoral warfare. Taiwan was among the first in the region to take note, ordering 291 Anduril Altius 600M-V drones and 720 AeroVironment Switchblade 300 systems. Australia followed with an acquisition of an unspecified number of Switchblade 300s, and South Korea purchased some 180 WB Electronics Warmate 1 drones from Poland.
Japan has indicated a strategic pivot by reducing its fleet of armed helicopters in favor of UAS and loitering munitions. Its fiscal 2025 budget allocates ¥3 billion for loitering munitions, emphasizing their anticipated role in protecting the country from invasion.
Deliveries of these munitions will commence in 2025, spurring a new concept of operations within the Asia-Pacific region’s air services and the acceleration of cost-efficient air defense systems.
The focus on introducing novel equipment does not mean the period of sizable new program commitments is about to end. The Philippines is shopping for new fighters, while Thailand still must finalize its purchase of Saab Gripen E/Fs. India and Singapore are shopping for tactical transport aircraft. Embraer hopes to maintain its C-390 sales momentum in the competition, and Airbus and Lockheed Martin are eyeing the opportunity for the A400M and C-130J, respectively.
As Singapore works to replace aging Fokker 50 maritime patrol aircraft, the main question is whether it will seek a high-end capability or lean more toward UAS to address at least some surveillance needs. Also on the buying agenda are South Korea’s interest in more airborne early warning aircraft and Japan’s in additional refueling aircraft.
The region’s defense procurement agencies are keeping missiles high on their lists, too. Australia is looking at anti-radar missiles, and Taiwan is considering increasing its air and missile defense interceptors, while several other countries are assessing long-range strike options.
Related Content
