Japan's dreams of military strengthening collide with supply difficulties.
Tokyo is pushing ahead with plans to strengthen its armed forces and improve its offensive capabilities, an expansion that has raised eyebrows across the region about how far its military ambitions will go. However, according to a SCMP report, the expansion is facing significant obstacles.
Japan has 118 open orders for US military equipment worth about $7.2 billion, some of which have been delayed for five years or more.
The delivery of up to 400 Tomahawk missiles could be delayed for up to two years, while the US replenishes its depleted stocks.
According to the reports, a lack of spare parts left only about 12 Kawasaki P-1 reconnaissance aircraft out of about 40 of this type of aircraft ready for the mission.
The delivery of F-35 aircraft is also behind schedule, with 34 of the 42 ordered aircraft still not delivered as of the end of March.
Despite these challenges, Tokyo is working on its defense strategy. and makes efforts to expand counter-attack capabilities and strengthen military-industrial ties with Washington. This effort marks another step away from Japan's traditional defensive approach.