Standoff Japan: focusing on long-range capabilities

Since 2012 Japan has been on a path of revising its defence posture, increasingly embracing realist ideas of hard-power deterrence over its traditional engagement-focused strategy. The 2022 National Security Strategy not only provides a continuation to these policies, but offers a notable shift through the emphasis on acquiring standoff weapons, i.e. weapon systems that offer long-range strike capabilities. The adoption of these weapons is an understandable move within the current security environment, however there are concerns about Japan’s ability to acquire and successfully field them on scale. The Defence Buildup Plan is highly dependent on boosting economic growth to pay for the increased defence budget and to fend off public criticism, but it is unclear whether Japan can successfully achieve this needed economic growth. From a regional security perspective, the acquisition of standoff weapons will boost Japan’s ability to be a more active participant, but it will also exacerbate existing tensions, especially with China.