Japan's Ministry of Defence has warned that the international security environment is experiencing its most challenging period since the end of the Second World War, citing intensifying geopolitical competition, rapid technological advances and the changing nature of modern warfare.
The assessment was published in the ministry's annual White Paper, released on August 4, Russian media reports.
The world is entering a new era of crises marked by shifts in the global balance of power, growing rivalry between states and the rapid development of technologies that are reshaping military operations.
For the first time, the report places particular emphasis on what it describes as "new methods of warfare." It says the war in Ukraine has demonstrated the decisive role of large-scale deployments of low-cost drones capable of targeting high-value military equipment and critical infrastructure, as well as conducting coordinated attacks alongside missiles and artillery.
The report also highlights the increasing use of artificial intelligence and advanced communications systems to accelerate battlefield decision-making. It notes that modern conflicts now extend beyond traditional combat to include operations in cyberspace, outer space and the electromagnetic spectrum, alongside information warfare. According to the ministry, weapons and military tactics are also evolving at an unprecedented pace, requiring continuous adaptation.
Against this backdrop, Tokyo warns that a conflict similar to the war in Ukraine could emerge in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in East Asia. The report stresses that the security of Europe and Asia is closely interconnected and says Japan, as a U.S. ally, will continue to closely monitor developments in Europe and their implications for regional security in Asia.
The White Paper also identifies North Korea as Japan's most immediate national security threat, citing ongoing concerns over Pyongyang's military capabilities.
By Sabina Mammadli
