DefenceTalkMitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) successfully completed the maiden flight of the “X-2,” an advanced technology demonstrator jet. The aircraft took off from Nagoya Airport and went through a series of trials to confirm basic maneuvers including climbing, descent and circling operations. It then landed at the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Gifu Air Base. After […]https://www.defencetalk.com/japans-x-2-makes-maiden-flight-67316/

DefenceTalkMISAWA AIR BASE, Japan: Airmen with the 35th Fighter Wing conducted a two-day surge exercise April 4-5 with F-16 Fighting Falcons at Misawa Air Base. “During surge operations, we’re validating our wing’s ability to generate (aircraft) in a simulated combat scenario,” said Capt. Josh Plocinski, the 14th Fighter Squadron chief of standardization and evaluation. For […]https://www.defencetalk.com/f-16s-surge-during-two-day-drill-at-misawa-67210/

DefenceTalkBAE Systems has been awarded a contract to produce new Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) for the Japanese Ministry of Defense. This contract supports the ongoing development of an amphibious capability within the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force. “We’re proud to support the Japanese military’s recapitalization by providing this enhanced amphibious capability,” said Dean Medland, vice […]https://www.defencetalk.com/bae-systems-to-produce-assault-amphibious-vehicles-for-japan-67200/

DefenceTalkNorth Korea on Monday fired five short-range missiles into the sea off its east coast — the latest in a series of launches ordered by leader Kim Jong-Un amid rising military tensions. They came just days after the North test-fired two medium-range missiles in what the UN Security Council described as an “unacceptable” violation of […]https://www.defencetalk.com/north-korea-fires-five-short-range-missiles-into-sea-67121/

DefenceTalkAirbus Helicopters has signed a contract with Japan Coast Guard (JCG) for the purchase of an additional H225. JCG, which already operates five H225s, has ordered this additional aircraft as part of its fleet renewal plans. The helicopter is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2018. This H225 will be equipped with the most […]https://www.defencetalk.com/japan-coast-guard-orders-an-additional-h225-67049/

DefenceTalkFor the Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, readiness means staying as sharp as the Yarborough knives the Green Berets earn after graduating the Special Forces Qualification Course — a tradition since August 2002. The knife isn’t just any knife, but a combat field knife that serves as a link to the brotherhood […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-special-forces-get-ready-67041/

DefenceTalkChina has deployed a surface-to-air missile system on one of its contested islands in the South China Sea, a report said Tuesday just as President Barack Obama called for “tangible steps” to reduce tensions in the region. Fox News said that images from civilian firm ImageSat International show two batteries of eight missile launchers and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/china-deploys-missiles-on-disputed-south-china-sea-island-66762/

DefenceTalkJapan said Wednesday it would destroy a North Korean missile if it threatened to fall on its territory, after Pyongyang announced it planned to launch a space rocket this month. “Today the defence minister issued an order” to destroy such a missile if it “is confirmed that it will fall on Japanese territory,” the defence […]https://www.defencetalk.com/japan-will-destroy-north-korea-missile-66656/

DefenceTalkJapan has ordered its military to be ready to destroy any missile fired by North Korea that threatens the country, local media reported Friday, as concerns mount that Pyongyang is preparing a rocket launch. Defence Minister Gen Nakatani issued the order, the Nikkei daily and Kyodo News reported, after reports of suspicious activity at Pyongyang’s […]https://www.defencetalk.com/japan-orders-military-to-prepare-to-destroy-north-korea-missile-66634/

DefenceTalkJapan on Thursday unveiled its first stealth fighter jet, officials said, with the maiden test flight planned for next month. The defence ministry’s acquisition agency showed off the domestically developed, radar-dodging X-2 fighter at a regional airport near the central city of Komaki. Its first flight is scheduled in mid-February before delivery to the defence […]https://www.defencetalk.com/japan-unveils-first-stealth-fighter-jet-66622/