At DSEI Japan 2025, Japan showcased its growing defence ambitions, expanding international collaboration and highlighting major modernisation efforts across air, land, sea, and cyber domains. The exhibition featured 471 companies from 33 nations and marked a significant shift in Japan’s strategic posture.
Japan PM: Ukraine Today Could Be East Asia Tomorrow
At DSEI Japan 2025, Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru warned that “today’s Ukraine could be East Asia tomorrow,” citing a rapidly worsening global security environment.
He stressed the growing interconnection between European and Asian security and said no country, “not even the US,” can defend alone. Shigeru called for deeper international defence partnerships, highlighting Japan’s efforts to promote joint equipment development, production and exports with allies like the US.
He also emphasised the critical role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in supporting defence capabilities, stating, “Without SMEs, tanks will not move, and fighters cannot fly.”
Japan Advances Drone-Killing Laser Weapon
Japan’s prototype laser weapon successfully shot down drones in recent tests; officials revealed at DSEI Japan 2025. The 10kW Vehicle-Mounted High-Power Laser, developed with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, will now undergo integration trials with other counter-drone systems.
Plans include fitting the system to smaller vehicles and developing a larger version to counter missiles. Deployment timelines remain undecided, as the system is still in the research phase.
GCAP Joint Venture Nears Launch, Eyes 2035 Fighter Debut
At DSEI Japan 2025, officials from the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) shared new details on the upcoming joint venture (JV) that will lead the design and development of a sixth-generation fighter jet, aiming for service entry in 2035.
Japan’s Ministry of Defence confirmed the JV backed by BAE Systems, Leonardo and Japan’s JAIEC is expected to launch this year, streamlining coordination between governments and industry. The JV will manage the aircraft’s design, development and delivery with suppliers selected post formation.
UK Minister Maria Eagle and Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru both reaffirmed GCAP’s strategic value, highlighting its role in strengthening UK, Japan and Italy defence ties. The fighter’s operational life is expected to extend beyond 2070.
Japan Expands Defence Push at DSEI 2025
Japan used the DSEI Japan 2025 arms expo to showcase its growing defence ambitions, featuring advanced tech like missiles, warships, and directed energy weapons. The show doubled in size from 2023, with 471 firms from 33 countries 169 from Japan.
Defence Minister Gen Nakatani called it a key step in boosting international defence ties and exports. Japan, easing post-WWII pacifist policies, is pursuing joint programmes like the GCAP fighter with the UK and Italy. U.S. Ambassador George Glass and Lockheed Martin also highlighted growing industrial cooperation with Japan.
Japan to Receive More KC-46s, Chinooks; Upgrades F-15 Fleet
Boeing confirmed Japan will receive its 5th and 6th KC-46A tankers in 2025, following successful refuelling missions during Exercise Cope North. Japan plans to buy nine more, with funding approved for four.
Seventeen CH-47F Block II Chinooks ordered in February will be shared between Japan’s air and ground forces, assembled locally by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
Meanwhile, Boeing is upgrading 68 F-15Js with AESA radars, EPAWSS, and standoff missiles. Integration work is underway in the U.S., with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries handling upgrades in Japan.
Lockheed & Fujitsu Deepen SPY-7 Radar Partnership in Japan
Lockheed Martin and Fujitsu have expanded their partnership with a new agreement naming Fujitsu as a key supplier for Japan’s SPY-7 radar system. Under the MoU, Fujitsu will produce the Power Supply Line Replaceable Unit (PS LRU), supporting local manufacturing and long-term sustainment.
The deal follows a 2024 agreement aimed at boosting radar production and Japan’s defence workforce. SPY-7 provides advanced multi-target tracking and engagement, enhancing the capabilities of Japan’s naval fleet.
Japan Strengthens Global Defence Ties at DSEI Japan 2025
At DSEI Japan 2025, Japan advanced key defence partnerships, spotlighting collaboration with the UK and Italy on the GCAP sixth-gen fighter and expanded ties with the U.S. and Australia on advanced tech like hypersonic and AI.
Backed by $26B in R&D over five years and recent export policy reforms, Japan is boosting joint production and system integration. Bilateral and trilateral defence agreements are streamlining procurement and solidifying Japan’s role in global security.
UK StratCom: Dual-Use Tech Reshaping War, Raising Risks
At DSEI Japan 2025, Lt Gen Sir Tom Coppinger Symes said dual-use technologies like Starlink, and commercial drones are transforming warfare, as seen in Ukraine, but warned they also pose risks such as firms being able to disable capabilities.
He called for closer, non-transactional partnerships between defence, industry, and academia and criticised slow procurement cycles that deliver obsolete tech. To stay ahead, he urged faster collaboration and placing engineers closer to the frontlines.
“We must innovate together or risk losing together,” he concluded.
Power Rivalry Threatens ASEAN Stability
At DSEI Japan 2025, Malaysian security expert Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah warned that intensifying US-China-Russia rivalry is undermining ASEAN and Indo-Pacific stability.
He cited a recent ASEAN defence meeting boycotted by major powers over Russia, and criticised “mini-lateral” alliances as tools of containment. Calling the current global order “unfettered competition,”
he warned Asia faces a zero-sum struggle driven by great power tensions.
Germany Eyes Closer Defence Ties with Japan
At DSEI Japan 2025, German Ambassador Petra Sigmund signalled a shift in Germany’s Indo-Pacific policy, calling for deeper defence cooperation with Japan. Citing “changing times,” Sigmund said Germany now views Japan as a trusted partner for co-developing and procuring key technologies, including drones, missiles, air defence and maritime ISR.
Germany has expanded its regional presence since 2021 with naval deployments and participation in joint exercises with Japan, Australia, and India. Sigmund emphasised that Germany’s Indo-Pacific engagement is strategic, not symbolic, aligning with broader European efforts to uphold the rules-based international order.
Subaru Unveils UH-2, T-5, and UAV Concept at DSEI Japan 2025
At DSEI Japan 2025, Subaru highlighted its defence aviation lineup, featuring a full-scale UH-2 utility helicopter mock-up, the T-5 turboprop trainer, and a conceptual UAV model.
Developed with Bell, the UH-2 is tailored for JGSDF missions, offering enhanced survivability and dual controls. Subaru also displayed the JMSDF’s T-5 trainer, with 30 new units on order under a ¥7.6 billion contract. A UAV concept hinted at Subaru’s growing interest in unmanned systems.
Otokar Showcases Armoured Vehicles at DSEI Japan 2025
Turkish land systems manufacturer Otokar is presenting its advanced military vehicle platforms at DSEI Japan 2025, including scale models of the COBRA II with KESKİN Turret and the ARMA 8×8 with a 30mm MIZRAK Turret.
With over 33,000 vehicles in service across 40+ countries, Otokar emphasizes its global reach and readiness to meet Japanese defence needs. “We are ready to support the Japanese Armed Forces with our broad product range and proven experience,” said Sedef Vehbi, Military Cluster Head.
The COBRA II, used by over 20 nations, offers modularity and high protection for various missions. The ARMA 8×8 features superior mobility, mine and ballistic protection, and adaptability for diverse roles. Both platforms highlight Otokar’s focus on mission flexibility and operational reliability.