U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced plans to upgrade the U.S. military command in Japan to a “war-fighting headquarters,” aiming to enhance operational coordination with Japan’s Self-Defense Forces in response to increasing regional security challenges.
This restructuring involves appointing a combined operational commander in Japan, serving as a counterpart to Japan’s own Joint Operations Command. The initiative reflects the deepening U.S.-Japan military alliance, which is considered crucial for maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
In addition to command upgrades, the U.S. and Japan plan to accelerate the development and production of advanced missiles and enhance maintenance of U.S. military assets stationed in Japan. These efforts aim to bolster deterrence capabilities amid rising concerns over China’s assertiveness and potential regional conflicts.
Japan has recently established the Japan Joint Operations Command to improve coordination among its defense forces. Both nations intend to strengthen defense on Japan’s southwestern islands, areas considered strategic for deterrence in disputed regions.
