As Japan Revises Constitution to Allow “Enemy Base Strike” Operations, F-35 Could Take Center Stage

Video Above: Patriot Interceptor Missiles & F-35s Could Defend NATOs Eastern Flank Together 4

Japan is making new efforts to consider modifying its constitution to enable what’s being called “enemy base strike capabilities,” new language which would expand the country’s ability to conduct military attacks into a wider range of contingencies.

The possibility, which would represent a significant departure from Japan’s Post-WWII Constitution which renounced war and allows for only a limited measure of “defensive” capabilities. 

Japan Self Defense Force

For this reason, Japan’s military has of course referred to itself as Japan Self Defense Force, something which appears to now be shifting in light of the growing threat of Chinese expansion. 

Responding to Germany’s current move to increase defense spending in response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Japan’s Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi told the country’s Kyodo News service “our country must think about a similar move as well.” Kishi reportedly spoke at length about the need to increase defense capabilities “swiftly” due to the threat environment, and ensure that potential adversaries “pay a price” should they attack Japan.

The thrust of this intent is reflected in Japan’s proposed 2023 budget, which is slated at the equivalent of roughly $44 billion, a record high for the eighth consecutive year, according to the Japanese paper.

The potential rewording of the constitution, and the sustained increase in defense spending align with a handful of major Japanese defense initiatives in recent years.