Japan says combat drones key to adapting to new warfare as tension rises in the region

The 598-page defense paper adopted by the Cabinet on Tuesday reiterated that China is Japan’s biggest strategic challenge. The annual white paper outlines Japan’s military activity and priorities and analysis of military trends in specific countries. Combat drones for new warfareInspired by the use of drones by Ukraine, Japan considers it is essential to adapt to “new ways of warfare,” the paper said. With many countries racing to develop combat drones, Japan’s government prioritizes development of its own for a coastal defense, in combination with long-range missiles. Tensions between Tokyo and Beijing have escalated since Takaichi said in November that Chinese military action against Taiwan could justify Japan’s use of force.