Kathmandu— Japan's Ministry of Defense released its 2026 defense white paper on Tuesday, focusing heavily on 'new ways of warfare' and expanding the country's defense industry. The document outlines a roadmap for sustained military growth under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, including significant investments in unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, and space operations.

Emphasis on New Warfare Trends

The white paper introduces a new chapter dedicated to 'trends in new ways of warfare,' drawing lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It advocates for expanded use of unmanned systems and artificial intelligence, as well as stronger capabilities for sustained military operations across space, cyberspace, and electromagnetic domains.

Chen Yang, a visiting research fellow at China's Liaoning University, noted that this reflects Takaichi’s administration's focus on modernizing Japan's defense strategy.

Strengthening Defense Industry

The report also emphasizes the development of Japan's defense industry as a means to drive economic growth and technological innovation. It argues for joint weapons development with foreign partners, relaxation of export restrictions on lethal military equipment, and blurring boundaries between civilian and military technologies.

In June, the Takaichi government passed legislation reorganizing the Air Self-Defense Force into the Air and Space Self-Defense Force, formally incorporating space into its operational domain.

Criticism and Concerns

Critics argue that Japan's military expansion will not contribute to regional peace but instead heighten tensions. Makoto Ito, a Japanese lawyer and director of the Japan Institute of Constitutional Law, believes Japan is moving away from its pacifist constitution towards becoming a 'military state.'

Public opposition has grown with demonstrations against Takaichi's security policies held repeatedly around the National Diet in Tokyo.

(With inputs from Xinhua)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.