Japan to Expand Defense Equipment Support for Like-Minded Countries
Tokyo, Sept. 3 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government plans to provide defense equipment to about 12 countries for free in fiscal 2026, an increase from eight in the previous year, people familiar with the matter said Thursday. The increase in the number of countries eligible for such aid under the official security assistance program comes amid China's growing assertiveness in the East Chin...
Tokyo, September 3 (Jiji Press) -- The Japanese government has announced plans to provide free defense equipment to approximately 12 countries in fiscal 2026, up from eight countries the previous year. This increase in the number of nations eligible for aid under the Official Security Assistance (OSA) program is attributed to growing assertiveness from China in the East China Sea and the South China Sea.
Japan initiated the OSA program in fiscal 2023 with the aim of bolstering its defense capabilities and enhancing the deterrence of like-minded countries.
So far, Japan has extended defense equipment assistance to Southeast Asian and South Pacific nations like the Philippines, Indonesia, Tonga, and Fiji. For fiscal 2026, which began in April, Japan is set to expand the list of eligible countries to include Kenya and Cambodia. Cambodia will receive communication equipment and patrol boats, while Vietnam and East Timor are also identified as potential recipients of the aid.
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