USA and Japan revise ‘defence guidelines’
In a long-awaited move, the US and Japan updated their ‘Guidelines for US-Japan Defense Cooperation’ during bilateral 2+2 talks in New York on 27 April. Significantly, it is the first revision of the foundational document since 1997.
The new guidelines provide for Japan to defend regional allies coming under attack, as well as a broadened role worldwide. While the old document covered security situations in close proximity to Japan, the new agreement eliminates any geographic restrictions.
Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida told a press briefing the new guidelines are an ‘enhancement of solidarity and expansion of cooperation between
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
-
![US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities]()
US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities
This shift is planned to accelerate the procurement and fielding of capabilities. As part of this strategy, the US also intends modernise its regulations in an attempt to change its bureaucratic and risk-averse culture.
