The US seems to be in a bit of a pickle, struggling to keep up with the demand for weapons. While they’re falling short on artillery shell production for Ukraine and delaying promised nuclear submarines to Australia, they have also turned down South Korea’s plea for their nuclear-powered submarine. Oh, and Ukraine’s NATO dreams? Also brushed aside. These developments reflect that the US is losing its grip on maintaining its industrial supply chain, thereby losing the confidence of its allies.
Enter Japan, riding to the rescue! Facing off against the looming threats of China and North Korea, Tokyo decided it’s better to team up with the US in the Pacific Ocean as Tokyo can’t tackle them on its own, handling those big baddies solo sounds like a headache.
The US and Japan decided to join forces, forming the Defense Industrial Cooperation, Acquisition and Sustainment Forum (DICAS). This forum is like a fancy club where defense contractors from both sides can hang out and chat about repairing naval ships, building missiles, and fixing up aircraft. DICAS is part of a broader effort announced by President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to strengthen defense and intelligence cooperation.
Japan is increasing its defense spending to about 2% of its economic output, driven by concerns about China’s assertiveness and North Korea’s missile threats. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel popped in to try to convince everyone how teamwork makes the dream work, especially when one is trying to outshine Russia in the defense game.
The US has been a bit behind schedule lately. Nuclear submarines to Australia are two years late. And production of the basic artillery shells for Ukraine is not able to match the pace. The US also broke South Korean hearts by declining their request to build a nuclear-powered submarine for them, as US multitasking ability is declining.
Meanwhile, Japan is ramping up its defense spending to fend off China and dodge North Korea’s missile tantrums. Japan’s been playing the pacifist card for a while, but lately, it’s been loosening up its grip on arms exports. Now they’re like, “Sure, deploy these Patriot missiles”.
Japan is also teaming up with the UK and Italy to make up some fighter jets, calling it the Global Combat Air Program, it’s like the Avengers assembling, but with jets. This initiative aims to create advanced fighter aircraft to tackle evolving security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, a step forward in modernizing Japan’s air force and ensuring readiness to respond to various security threats.
The reason why Japan’s getting cozy with the US is that they’ve got a China-shaped shadow looming over Tokyo, and North Korea’s acting like the annoying neighbor who won’t turn down their music.
DICAS and Japan’s team-ups signal a budding friendship between these defense buddies. The program is expected to bolster Japan’s ability to respond effectively to various security challenges. By partnering with other countries, Japan seeks to enhance its technological capabilities and strengthen its position in regional security.
But while Japan’s flexing its muscles, it’s also letting Uncle Sam into its sandbox. The Indo-Pacific is becoming US’ new favorite hangout spot, and Japan’s like, “Sure, come on in” forgetting what the US does when it invites itself into someone’s home, the US just doesn’t leave, like the annoying uninvited guest.
With this collaboration, Japan is further integrating the US into regional affairs in the Indo-Pacific. Given the US’s growing fixation on the region, Tokyo is aiding in expanding US involvement, potentially leading to increased meddling in regional affairs. Japan ought to recognize that excessive US interference in any region has a history of transforming thriving infrastructures into mere rubble.
But is this collaboration a match made in heaven or a disaster waiting to happen? Only time will tell.