The new guidelines have established the direction for building up Japan's defense capability to cope with new threats. However, there still are many challenges ahead to ensure it functions reliably, including the enhancement of the Self-Defense Forces' capabilities and relevant legal preparations.
The government adopted new National Defense Program Guidelines. This marks the fifth revision since the guidelines were drawn up for the first time in 1976, and the first revision in five years. Revising the defense guidelines in light of the rapid changes in the security environment surrounding Japan is understandable.
The main point of the new guidelines is the reinforcement of defense systems in such domains as outer space, cyberspace and the electromagnetic spectrum. This is based on the concept of a "multidimensional, joint tactical defense capability."
China, Russia and North Korea are believed to be enhancing their offensive capabilities in these domains. It is reasonable for the guidelines to expressly state the establishment of an outer space unit and the expansion of a cyberdefense unit. It is indispensable to beef up cooperation with the United States.
There still remain legislative challenges. Japan, which adheres to an exclusively defense-oriented principle, cannot strike back against a cyber-attack from a foreign country unless the attacking country clearly intended to strike and the attack will cause serious damage.
Attacks in cyberspace have become ever more adroit and sophisticated. It is difficult to identify an attacking entity. The possession of limited counterattack capabilities should be considered from a legal perspective.
Use destroyers flexibly
The SDF will have to be involved not only in the defense networks against such attacks but also in the protection of important infrastructure. Through cooperation between the public and private sectors, Japan must eliminate its weak defense systems.
China has been intensifying its maritime advances in recent years. Enhancing the deterrence in areas around the Nansei Islands is a priority task in defense policy.
The government has incorporated in the Mid-Term Defense Program a policy of renovating two Izumo-class destroyers -- the Maritime Self-Defense Force's largest destroyer -- and having fighter jets operated aboard these vessels. Top-of-the-line F-35B stealth fighter jets, capable of short-field takeoffs, are to be introduced.
The government has a policy of not having Izumo-class destroyers carry these fighter jets on a regular basis, but giving the aircraft such main duties as observation, surveillance and transport. But will such arrangements be able to fulfill the primary task of establishing a stronghold for fighter jets at sea and securing mobile power in the event of emergencies?
It cannot be considered productive for the government to be focused more than necessary on the past view that the nation "cannot possess offensive-type aircraft carriers." The government probably should consider the flexible use of Izumo-class destroyers.
Under the mid-term program, total defense expenses over the next five years have been set at 27.47 trillion yen, a record high.
Under severe fiscal circumstances, defense expenses cannot be increased infinitely. The government must make efforts to cut costs by thoroughly carrying out procurement reforms.
The Defense Ministry has been proceeding with the retrenchment of tank units of the Ground Self-Defense Force, but it is not considered to be enough. It is necessary to review the duties of the GSDF -- the largest force in the SDF -- and allocate personnel more efficiently.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 19, 2018)
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