Japan’s FY2026 budget allocates ¥11.1 billion, about $69.7 million, for five wide-area UAVs for the Ground Self-Defense Force. Bayraktar TB2S is among the leading candidates, although no official winner has been announced.

The United States has approved a $340 million package of equipment and test support for Japan’s HVGP hypersonic weapons program, giving fresh momentum to the project.

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani’s first-ever official visit to Türkiye at the ministerial level included stops at the Istanbul Shipyard, Baykar, and TUSAŞ—boosting defense cooperation and technology partnership prospects.

Japan has signed a $1.7 billion agreement with the U.S. to acquire 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles, countering rising threats from China and North Korea.

A CV-22 Osprey crashed off Japan’s coast, killing one crew member and leaving seven missing, yet the US Air Force decided to keep the fleet operational.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has ordered more than 300 Carl-Gustaf M4 systems from Saab. Deliveries will begin in 2025, boosting Japan’s defense capabilities.