Japan shifts language to 'new ways of defense' amid military buildup

Japan is incorporating lessons from the Ukraine conflict and the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran into its security planning. The government is considering adding the concept of 'new ways of defense' as a central element in upcoming revisions to national security policy.

The phrase appears in briefings, speeches and official documents. Officials have shifted emphasis from 'new ways of warfare' to 'new ways of defense' as the country expands its military capabilities.

Policy revisions under review The concept of 'new ways of warfare' emerged after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and centers on large-scale use of drones, missiles and artificial intelligence. Japan and other nations have adopted the approach. Large-scale drone and missile operations in the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran have increased attention to these methods among defense planners.

Public support efforts The change in terminology is viewed as an effort to gain public backing for the military buildup in a nation that maintains pacifist principles.

“Japan is taking lessons on 'new ways of warfare' gleaned from the Ukraine and Iran conflicts and making them its own, with the government considering making 'new ways of defense' a key tenet of revisions to the country's security policy.”

The same reporting notes that the verbal shift is evident in how officials present the policy updates.