Japan's Major Defense Capabilities (Not "Offensive Weapons")

Under Article 9 of its Constitution, Japan renounces war and maintains Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) with exclusively defense-oriented capabilities. It does not possess "major offensive weapons" (e.g., ICBMs, strategic bombers, aircraft carriers with strike wings). Its arsenal focuses on deterrence, air/sea defense, and disaster response:

Air Defense

• F-35A/B Lightning II: ~100+ on order (A: CTOL; B: STOVL for Izumo-class). Stealth, sensor fusion, networked strike/ISR—most advanced in region.
• F-15J/DJ Eagle: ~200. Air superiority backbone; upgrading to F-15JSI (modern radar, EW, missiles).
• F-2 "Viper Zero": ~90. Mitsubishi/LOCKHEED; anti-ship/ground attack focus.
• E-2D Advanced Hawkeye: 13. Carrier-capable AEW&C; extends radar horizon.
• KC-46A Pegasus: 4+ on order. Aerial refueling—extends fighter reach.

Missile Defense

• Patriot PAC-3 MSE: Point defense vs. ballistic missiles, aircraft. Deployed nationwide.
• Aegis Ashore (Cancelled 2020) → Shift to Aegis-equipped destroyers + new ship class.
• Type 03 Chū-SAM: Indigenous medium-range SAM (15 km altitude). Mobile.

Maritime Defense (JMSDF)

• Maya-class (2) & Atago-class (2) Aegis Destroyers: BMD-capable (SM-3 Block IIA), AAW, ASW. Core of ballistic missile defense.
• Asahi-class (2) & Akizuki-class (4) Destroyers: Advanced ASW, AAW.
• Mogami-class (FFM) Frigates: 12 planned. Multi-mission, stealthy, mine warfare.
• Sōryū / Taigei-class Submarines: 12+ AIP / Li-ion battery. Ultra-quiet. Torpedoes, Harpoon, future TLAM? (Debated).
• Izumo / Kaga "Helicopter Destroyers" (CVH): Converted for F-35B operations—de facto light carriers.

Ground & Coastal

• Type 10 MBT: Modern, lightweight, C4I-integrated.
• Type 12 SSM (Surface-to-Ship Missile): Truck-mounted, 200+ km range. Anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) for island chains.
• Type 03 Chū-SAM (Ground) – as above.
• Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade: New (2018). Island retaking capability.

Strategic Posture

• Exclusively defense-oriented (constitutional interpretation).
• Collective self-defense (2015 legislation) – can defend allies (US) under attack.
• Integrated with US forces (Yokota, Kadena, Sasebo, Iwakuni).
• No nuclear, bio, chem weapons (Three Non-Nuclear Principles).

Japan's "weapons" are high-end defensive systems designed to raise the cost of aggression against its territory and allies—not to project power offensively.