Global Commons
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Global Commons
Japan, South Korea, U.S. boost electronic warfare capabilities to safeguard regional security
Felix Kim Electronic warfare (EW) — military activity conducted in the electromagnetic spectrum — is a growing priority for Indo-Pacific armed forces. Japan, South Korea and the United States are enhancing their EW capabilities in the air, at sea and on land in the face of regional threats posed by North Korea, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia.…
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Global Commons
Indo-Pacific nations lead U.N. peacekeeping efforts
FORUM Staff Indo-Pacific countries have become top contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions worldwide, and their accomplishments and sacrifices will be honored along with those of other nations on International Day of U.N. Peacekeepers. On May 29, the U.N. recognizes military personnel, police officers and civilians who have helped nations torn by conflict, including the thousands who died doing so.…
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Global Commons
Automation, new technologies support Japan’s defense future
Marc Jacob Prosser Japan’s plan to boost defense spending to 2% of its gross domestic product by 2027 comes as the nation faces a stark security challenge: an aging, shrinking population. In 1994, there were 17 million Japanese citizens age 18 to 26, the core of the Japan Self-Defense Forces’ (JSDF) recruitment pool. By October 2021, the number had fallen…
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Features
Improving Strategic Deterrence
Brig. Gen. Glenn T. Harris/U.S. Air Force and Maj. John Yanikov/U.S. Army, U.S. Strategic Command There is a reason that nuclear deterrence remains the most important mission within the United States military. U.S. Navy Adm. Charles Richard, former commander of U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), the command in charge of deterring strategic attacks and providing a decisive response should deterrence fail,…
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Global Commons
Singapore Navy adding multirole combat vessels with AI capabilities
Tom Abke The Republic of Singapore Navy is tapping into artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and other technology to counter maritime threats, with plans for six multirole combat vessels (MRCVs) to replace Victory-class missile corvettes beginning in 2028. The new vessels will serve as “motherships” for planned uncrewed systems, and much of the advanced technology will be provided through a…
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Features
Integrating Excellence
Aiyana Paschal/Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance Since its inception in 1994, the Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (CFE-DM) has built crisis response capacity, enhanced coordination and collaboration, and strengthened relationships to improve the performance of United States and partner militaries during disasters. In addition to these core areas, CFE-DM has undertaken initiatives…
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Contemplations
Meet Japan’s Cyborg Cockroach, Crawling to a Disaster Near You
Story and Photo by Reuters If an earthquake strikes in the not-too-distant future, trapping survivors under tons of rubble, the first responders to find them could be swarms of cyborg cockroaches. That’s a potential application of a recent breakthrough by Japanese researchers who demonstrated the ability to mount “backpacks” of solar cells and electronics on the bugs to remotely control…
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Global Commons
Japan, U.S. collaborate to protect critical satellite infrastructure
Tom Abke A Japan-United States venture to protect critical satellite infrastructure against hostile anti-satellite (ASAT) activity and damaging space debris will culminate in 2023 and 2024 with Tokyo launching satellites fitted with U.S.-made space situational awareness (SSA) sensors, as well as continued private-sector collaboration to develop SSA-specific satellites. “Satellite capabilities enable functions in nearly every aspect of our lives, from…
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Global Commons
Japan considers lifting arms export ban to support threatened countries
Marc Jacob Prosser The symbolism was unmistakable as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s surprise visit to Ukraine coincided with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) General Secretary Xi Jinping’s trip to Moscow. The March 2023 visits underscore expanding geopolitical divisions that contribute to Japan considering a significant shift in policy to allow the export of weapons to countries such as Ukraine. The…
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Free and Open Indo-Pacific/FOIP
Indo-Pacific allies, partners protect freedom of navigation
FORUM Staff To preserve the global maritime commons, the United States and its allies and partners are prepared to defend international waters in this era of long-term strategic competition. In collaboration with allies and partners, U.S. forces will protect national freedoms and impose costs on adversaries by lawfully denying the transport of war-supporting shipments through key global sea lines of…
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