Daisuke Sato

Daisuke Sato oversees coverage of Asia with a focus on Japan and China. As Section Editor, he is responsible for curating regional news, verifying sources, and delivering sharp insight into military developments across the Indo-Pacific. His expertise strengthens our reporting from one of the most strategically contested regions in the world.
Aviation

Japan evaluates Israeli-made spy drone

An Israeli-made Heron MK II unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been spotted at Shirahama Airport in Japan during a test flight conducted by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Images shared on X by defense watcher Shiki Kuroha show the UAV,...
Maritime Security

Japan, U.S. Marines to hold record-size joint drill

Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) will conduct its largest-ever live exercise with the U.S. Marine Corps next month, simulating the defense of remote islands across multiple regions of the country. According to the GSDF, the exercise—known as “Resolute...
Maritime Security

North Korea slams Japanese long-range missile plans

North Korea has issued a sharp rebuke of Japan’s development and planned deployment of long-range missiles capable of striking enemy bases, calling the move “an extremely dangerous idea” in an editorial published by the state-run Korean Central...
Aviation

Japan receives first F-35B jets amid delays

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has taken delivery of its first F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) fighter at Nyutabaru Air Base. The aircraft arrived at the base earlier today following delays linked to software development....
Aviation

Japan’s F-2 jet crashes during routine training

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-2 fighter jet crashed into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ibaraki Prefecture during a training mission on 7 August. According to Japan’s Ministry of Defense, the aircraft went down approximately...
Maritime Security

Japan to discipline Navy chief over bribery scandal

The Japanese Ministry of Defense is preparing to take disciplinary action against numerous members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), including Chief of Staff Admiral Akira Saito, over an illicit payment scheme involving submarine maintenance contracts. The...
Maritime Security

Chinese new sub rescue ship spotted near Japan

The Japanese Ministry of Defense confirmed that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has, for the first time, identified a Chinese Navy submarine rescue vessel of the Type 926 Dakai-class operating near Japanese waters. According to a statement...
Aviation

China tests low-cost bomb drone swarm

China’s defense industry has revealed a new class of small combat drones designed to conduct precision strikes against lightly armored vehicles, enemy positions, and command posts. According to footage broadcast by state-owned CCTV, the drones—each capable of carrying...
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