Defense Budget and Acquisition

Concerns about a restricted U.S. defense industrial surge capability is often blamed on “just-in-time” production, an efficient and cost-effective subprocess of lean manufacturing. This article argues the model is not to blame for production capacity challenges.

The announcements from the Indian prime minister's state visit to Washington indicate momentum in the areas of defense, commercial relations, and people-to-people ties. 

Japan is undergoing major defense policy reforms to manage an increasingly complex security environment. Heino Klinck outlines near-term priorities for Japan including the acquisition of strike capabilities and improving military readiness.

With the release of three new national security documents, Japan is reshaping its international security partnerships with likeminded countries. Tokuchi Hideshi discusses the road ahead and how the U.S.-Japan alliance and other partnerships can support regional security.

Japan is stepping up to help build a regional security architecture in the Indo-Pacific. Lisa Curtis explores how Japan can further its efforts to strengthen deterrence and maintaina rules-based order.

Japan and the United States are strengthening security cooperation to manage multiple challenges in Asia. Isobe Koichi recommends ways to strengthen command and control structures, bilateral exercises, and information sharing under the U.S.-Japan alliance.

Great power competition in the space domain has profound implications for the U.S.-Japan alliance. Saadia Pekkanen examines the degree of alignment in U.S. and Japanese space policy and opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

A more integrated and efficient command and control (C2) structure between Japan and the United States would dramatically strengthen deterrence. Mark Montgomery assesses C2 options for the U.S.-Japan alliance.