Chapter 4 Measures on Defense Equipment and Technology · 2 Defense Technology Strategy and related documents 1 Technology fi elds with future importance and element technology 2

While defense equipment has become more advanced and

complex, the defense industry in Japan has been exposed

to harsh conditions due to a decrease in the number

of units procured caused by Japan’s severe fi nancial

conditions and an increase in imports of foreign-made

equipment. In addition, other countries are aiming to

acquire advanced military capabilities utilizing the latest

technologies. In order to ensure the quality of defense

capabilities suffi ciently and to enhance deterrence as

well as response capabilities amid the situation in which

rapid advancements in technological innovation have a

signifi cant infl uence on the global security environment,

it is crucial that Japan ensure technological superiority

over other countries. Hence, Japan is required to further

develop defense equipment and technology policies

while also taking into account these points.

Amid such a situation, it is indispensable to work

on (1) strategic research and development for ensuring

Japan’s technological superiority, (2) maintenance and

strengthening of defense production and technological

bases, (3) strengthening of project management, and

(4) promotion of defense equipment and technology

cooperation, in order to maintain an environment in which

defense equipment that meets the SDF’s operational

needs will be procured into the future.

Section 1 Promotion of Research and Development for Ensuring Technological Superiority

1 Necessity of Ensuring Technological Superiority

As the security environment surrounding Japan

becomes increasingly severe, it is necessary to ensure

technological superiority by effectively utilizing Japan’s

advanced technological strength in order to protect the

lives and property of Japanese people in any situation.

Particularly in recent years, with the rapid advances

in technological innovation, it is forecast that we will

see the operationalization of so-called game-changing

technology that will completely transform combat aspects

in the future, and the United States and other countries

are proceeding hastily with research and development.

Part I, Chapter 3, Section 6 (Trends Concerning Military Science and Technology as well as Defense Production and Technological Bases)

Thus, as a nation, strategically working on the

ways to ensure technological superiority and ensuring

advanced technology platforms are important from the

perspective of creating superior defense equipment and

ensuring Japan’s security, and also, improvement of

technology platforms is a pressing issue. The state-of-

the-art military technologies in each country are sensitive

technologies that shall not be easily shared with other

countries. From the perspective of Japan, for the areas,

which should strategically maintain their domestic

technology platforms, it is necessary to promote research

and development domestically. In the cases of defense

equipment procurement and technology cooperation

such as international joint development, it is important

to maintain the leading role by owning important cutting-

edge technology (key technology). This requires not

only research and development by the MOD, but also

the promotion of research and development by both the

public and private sectors together.

See

Measures on Defense Equipment and Technology

Chapter 4

407 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2018

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2 Defense Technology Strategy and related documents

1 Technology fi elds with future importance and element technology2 Technologies, which are in the basic research stage at this point in time, but which will dramatically enhance the function of existing equipment, etc. and have the potential for inventing new

equipment, if applied to equipment, etc. in the future

For the purpose of ensuring Japan’s technological

superiority, inventing as well as delivering advanced

equipment in an effective and effi cient manner, and

dealing with various policy issues pertaining to defense

and civilian technologies, taking account of the National

Security Strategy and the National Defense Program

Guidelines (NDPG), the MOD formulated the Defense

Technology Strategy in August 2016, which presented

the specifi c direction for various measures that should be

addressed strategically. Based on this strategy, the MOD

promotes various measures.

1 Overview of Defense Technology Strategy

(1) MOD Technology Policy ObjectivesThe following two objectives of the MOD technology

policy are designed to strengthen the technical

capabilities, which are the foundation of Japan’s defense

capabilities, to make the foundation more robust:

(i) Ensuring technical superiority

(ii) Delivering superior defense equipment through

effective and effi cient research and development

(2) Specifi c Measures to be PromotedThe following three measures are promoted to achieve

the objectives indicated in the previous paragraph.

(i) Grasping Technological Information

With regard to various scientifi c technologies that support

defense technologies, the MOD grasps the current

situation and trends both in and outside of Japan including

dual-use technology in the public and private sectors and

cutting-edge scientifi c technology. In addition, the MOD

develops and publishes the Medium- to Long-Term

Defense Technology Outlook (see Paragraph 2 below)

to identify advanced technology fi elds, which have the

potential to become game changers.

(ii) Development of Technologies

The MOD formulates the “Research and Development

Vision” (see Paragraph 3 below) that promotes medium-

to long-term research and development. At the same time,

it also promotes research and development that serve as

the foundation of defense force building and initiatives

such as “Innovative Science & Technology Initiative for

Security,” which puts into perspective the identifi cation

and development of advance technology expected to be

used for technology exchange with relevant domestic/

overseas agencies and defense purposes.

(iii) Protection of Technologies

The MOD implements technology control for proper

technology transfer to prevent situations in which

Japan’s technology leaks without the country’s intention,

undermining the maintenance of the peace and security

of the international community or ensuring Japan’s

technological superiority. The MOD also establishes

intellectual property management taking into account

the transfer of defense equipment and promotes the

utilization of intellectual property.

2 Medium- to Long-Term Defense Technology Outlook

The Medium- to Long-Term Defense Technology

Outlook presents an outlook of the technologies that

can be applied to equipment expected to be established

in roughly the next 20 years, and indicates technology

fi elds that need to be developed in order to ensure Japan’s

technological superiority, with a particular focus on

advanced technology fi elds that have the potential to

become game changers. It is expected that making this

Outlook, public will facilitate the integration of superior

civilian advanced technologies and the development of

technologies outside of the ministries aimed at defense

equipment applications.

This Outlook selects and makes a comprehensive

assessment of 57 cases of “future equipment technologies”1

and 21 cases of “potential technologies,”2 and on that basis,

identifi es the following four technology fi elds as the focus

of research and development going forward:

(i) Efforts for unmanned technology

(ii) Efforts for smart and network technology

(iii) Efforts for high-power energy technology

(iv) Efforts to improve the function and performance of

legacy systems

Dual-use technology

Technology that can be used for both civilian and defense purposes

KEY WORD

Section 1Promotion of Research and Development for Ensuring Technological Superiority

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3 “Research and Development Vision”

The “Research and Development Vision” provides

the direction of medium to long-term research and

development by clarifying technical challenges regarding

equipment that are deemed to become important, and

presenting a concept for defense equipment that looks

ahead to the future and a roadmap for research and

development to achieve the concept.

The MOD publishes research and development

visions and shares them with the defense industry, with

the aim of increasing predictability for relevant companies

and realizing more effective and effi cient research and

development. So far, the MOD has prepared and published

the “Future Fighter R&D Vision” in August 2010 and the

“Research and Development Vision of Future Unmanned

Equipment: Focusing on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle”

in August 2016. Based on these visions, the MOD is

currently conducting various research and study toward

technological demonstrations including those for beyond

line-of-sight type unmanned aerial vehicles.

The MOD will continue to establish and publish

research and development visions for equipment that

requires development and enhancement of technological

bases while ascertaining trends in defense technologies.

3 Initiatives regarding Research and Development

The MOD invents equipment that meets the needs of the

SDF indicated in the Medium Term Defense Program

(MTDP), including (1) improvement of air defense

capability, (2) enhancement of intelligence, surveillance,

and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, (3) unmanned

equipment that can be used fl exibly at times of various

contingencies including large-scale disasters, and

(4) enhancement of the capacity of existing equipment.

The MOD also makes proposals regarding highly

promising technologies based on technological trends,

as well as adopting advanced technologies and dual-use

technologies for prototyping, and conducts testing and

evaluation of the prototype equipment. Particularly for

improving air defense capability, with regard to future

fi ghters, the MOD conducts strategic studies including

research on the large-thrust and compact engines, the

advanced sensor system that integrates radars and

infrared sensors to enable detecting and tracking of

stealth fi ghters, and integrated fi re control technology for

expanded shooting opportunities and improved shooting

effi ciency through cooperation among multiple aircraft to

be able to take into account the development (including

the possibility of international joint development) of

fi ghters as an option before the retirement of F-2 fi ghters.

The decision on the development will be made in FY2018

and necessary measures will be taken accordingly.

Furthermore, the MOD carries out a study on the element

technology based on the high-energy laser system, which

can be applied to close air defense of vessels and bases,

and a study on the technology, which induces malfunction

or destruction of electronic equipment built into incoming

missiles to neutralize the missiles by generating and

irradiating high-powered directed microwaves.

To improve ISR capabilities, the MOD undergoes

development of the next-generation warning and control

radar equipment that can respond to future airborne

threats and ballistic missiles with superior detecting

and tracking capabilities, survivability, economic

effi ciency and other aspects as well as research aiming

to load dual wavelength infrared sensors with superior

detecting and discriminating capabilities onto “advanced

optical satellites,” which are currently being planned

by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science

and Technology (MEXT) and the Japan Aerospace

Exploration Agency (JAXA), and to operate them in the

space environment. The MOD also promotes research

on high mobility powered suits and the environmental

awareness enhancement technology for remote control

vehicles that can be used fl exibly at times of various

contingencies including large-scale disasters.

Furthermore, in the area of advanced research, which

has the potential to ensure technological superiority,

the MOD conducts research regarding the element

technology of the next generation of night vision devices

as well as components of EMP warheads (EMP radiation

part), which induce the malfunction and destruction of

sensor and electronic equipment, and study on EMP

protection technology. The MOD also conducts research

regarding the electromagnetic acceleration system that

utilizes electric energy to accelerate the speed, extend the

range and realize the higher power of projectiles , which

are not feasible using conventional gunpowder, research

regarding the high-energy laser system that responds to

threats such as a large number of small unmanned aerial

vehicles and mortar shells that fl y high and low in the

sky for a low cost and short reaction time, research on

element technology of HVGP (Hyper Velocity Gliding

Projectile) intended for the defense of remote islands

Part Ⅲ Initiatives to Protect the Lives and Property of the People as well as Securing the Territorial Land, Water and Airspace



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which can glide at high velocity and attack a target in

order to enable island-to-island fi ring, and research

regarding miniaturization of high-power engines and the

entire system design through simulation models in order

to improve mobility on the sea for the future amphibious

technology. Furthermore, the MOD began development

3 Decided at the Advisory Council on Vitalizing Towns, People and Jobs on March 22, 2016

of a new test and evaluation facility “Iwakuni Oceanic

Environmental Test and Evaluation Satellite (provisional

name)” in Iwakuni City to effi ciently and effectively

conduct research on unmanned underwater vehicles, etc.

using dual-use technologies based on the “Basic Policy

on the Relocation of Governmental Organizations.”3

4 Active Utilization of Civilian Technology

The Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA)

and domestic research institutions, such as universities

and independent administrative institutions, proactively

engage in research collaborations and technological

information exchanges in order to ensure that advanced

civilian technology is incorporated and effi cient research

and development is conducted. In FY2015 the MOD

launched a competitive research funding program called

“Innovative Science & Technology Initiative for Security”

to discover creative research activities conducted in

universities, research institutes, companies, etc., which

are expected to apply defense equipment in the future and

to promote promising research seeds.

While total of 33 research projects were awarded

by FY2017, this program was expanded in FY2017 in

order to enable the awards of larger-scale and longer-

term research projects (total budget of about 11 billion

yen). The program will continue to run on a similar

scale in FY2018.

In the basic research areas, free thinking of

researchers leads to innovative and creative results. For

this reason, it is necessary to assign maximum value to

freedom of research when sponsoring research, so that,

for example, researchers will be able to publish all of

their research results to have a wide range of academic

discussions. Hence, in this program the MOD will neither

restrict contractors’ publication of research results, nor

designate research results as confi dential, never providing

any confi dential data to researchers. In actuality, some

research results have already been published through oral

presentations, publications, etc. From the perspective of

smooth implementation of research projects, program

offi cers, who are in charge of managing research progress,

are assigned in the same manner as competitive research

funding programs being conducted by other government

ministries and agencies. The program offi cers provide

support including checking research progress and

processing budget execution procedures.

Active utilization of advanced civilian technology

through such programs is not only essential for securing

the lives and peaceful livelihood of the Japanese people

into the future, but is also benefi cial for the development

of Japan’s science, technology and innovation in

non-defense areas as well, similar to how investment

in innovative technology by the Defense Advanced

Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the United States

facilitated advances in science and technology as a whole

including civilian technology, such as the development

of the Internet and GPS. From this perspective, the MOD

intends to promote relevant measures.

Moreover, under the Council for Science, Technology

and Innovation (CSTI), the “Council for Innovation

Strategy” was launched with the Chief Cabinet Secretary

as the chairman in order to coordinate implementation

of comprehensive strategies. The Minister of Defense

participates in it as a member with the aim of promoting

policies of science and technology that directly connect

with ensuring safety and security of the public by further

strengthening cooperation among industry, government

and academia, etc.

Fig. III-4-1-1 (FY2017 Awarded Research Projects for the “Innovative Science & Technology Initiative for Security” Program

See


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Fig. III-4-1-1 FY2017 Awarded Research Projects for the “Innovative Science & Technology Initiative for Security” program

Research Title Brief Summary Representative Institution for the Project

[Lar

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pro

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ix p

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Fundamental researches of fl uid and combustion for the hypersonic fl ight

This project aims to acquire a method that estimates combustion phenomenon in a hypersonic speed range and aerodynamic heating from data obtained by ground-based facilities via wind tunnel tests, trial fl ight tests, and simulators for the purpose of enhancing fundamental technology that supports future hypersonic aviation.

Japan Aerospace ExplorationAgency

Development of a mid-infrared quantumcascade lasers of high beam quality by photonic crystal structures

This project aims to realize a mid-infrared light source with high output and high beam quality by introducing a surface emitting element using photonic crystal to the quantum cascade laser.

National Institute for MaterialsScience

Development of innovative material technologyfor uncooled turbine system

This project aims to make a feasibility study of an uncooled turbine system based on the molybdenum alloy and nickel alloy materials for utilization in an aircraft engine through surveying material technology and manufacturing process.

IHI Corporation

Development of remote sensing technology for trace hazardous substances in the atmosphere by resonance Raman effect

This project aims to realize a method of identifying the type, volume, and location of the multiple toxic substances immediately from a distance, by radiating the laser and measuring resonance Raman scattering light emitted by substances.

Shikoku Research Institute Inc.

Innovative high-power/high-frequency devicesutilizing ultimate quantum confi nement effect

This project aims to enhance output power of high-frequency devices dramatically by applying an electron transport channel structure that is realized by means of a strong quantum confi nement effort enabled by a new semiconductor material, and by applying a high heat dissipation material.

Fujitsu Limited

Research on improving reliability management technology of composites structure bonding

This project aims to obtain adhesive strength of carbon fi ber reinforced plastics that exceeds existing technologies and methods, which will be realized by perceiving systematically the effect of the process factor through understanding the mechanism of adhesive strength of the adhesive surface by observing the molecular-level chemical state and electron state, assessing the adhesive strength in micro and macro scale, and simulating the molecular dynamics of the interface chemical state, and evaluating the new surface reformulation method.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

[Sm

all-s

cale

rese

arch

pro

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s (T

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High resolution stereoscopic image estimation of buried material in heterogeneous medium by multi angle 3-D holographic GB-SAR (*1)

This project aims to realize a measurement method for estimation of the stereoimage of buried material in the ground through observation of electromagnetic wave scattering from the buried material with multiple aspects.


In-situ electrochemical measurement of epoxy equivalent weight at CFRP (*2) adhesive interphase

This project aims to realize a new evaluation method to visualize molecular level adhesive imperfection at adhesive interface through electrochemical observation of molecular bonds in CFRP adhesion.


The research on seawater microscopic electromagnetic fi eld response and its application for seafl oor exploration

This project aims to realize technology for high-sensitivity and high precision detection of buried objects under the ocean fl oor by building an electromagnetic fi eld transmission model with considering the factors in microscopic electromagnetic response in ocean water, with applying this model to the sensor technology.

National Institute of Informationand CommunicationsTechnology

The proposal of rechargeable batteries accumulating electrons in trap levels of semiconductor materials

This project aims to realize a semiconductor solid-state battery which expects excellent safety features because of the no need of ion transfer and chemical reaction.

Toshiba Materials Co.,Ltd.

Optical materials and lenses with ultra-wide transmission wavelength from visible to far-infrared

This project aims to realize optical materials and systems with transmittance over an ultra-broadband range from visible to far-infrared through discovery of new optical materials, lens formation process research, and optical design for realizing ultra-broadband resolution.

Panasonic Corporation

Development of non-volatile and high energy density secondary battery

This project aims to realize an innovative lithium rechargeable battery with excellent safeness and high energy density by raising the volatilization temperature of the electrolyte.

Hitachi, Ltd.

Research on active control of acousticimpedance by MUT(*3)-type acousticmetamaterial

This project aims for realization of an acoustic meta-material that actively controls acoustic features using MEMS (*4) technology based on an acoustic impedance matching physical model.

Hitachi, Ltd.

Development of ultra-high temperaturethermal barrier coating system

This project aims to realize a ceramic coating material for an ultra-high temperature thermal barrier, designing and reviewing an optimal chemical composition and layer structure by theoretical calculation, and optimizing conditions through an actual process.

Japan Fine Ceramics Center

*1. GB-SAR: Ground-Based Synthetic Aperture Radar*2. CFRP: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic*3. MUT: Micro machined Ultrasonic Transduce*4. MEMS: Micro Electro Mechanical Systems

Part Ⅲ Initiatives to Protect the Lives and Property of the People as well as Securing the Territorial Land, Water and Airspace



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VOICEVOICE

Osaka City University, Graduate School of Engineering, Chemistry and Biology Department, Professor Yusuke Yamada

I have studied heterogeneous catalysts working as well as adsorbents for safety removal of pesticides and other toxic substances

released in water and air. The fi nal goal of the research is protecting agricultural workers from exposure to the harmful chemicals by

using a developed heterogeneous catalyst that can be applied to an agrochemical protection mask in future. This research is supported

by “Innovative Science & Technology Initiative for Security,” which has started one and a half years ago. Regularly scheduled meetings

with a program offi cer during the period are valuable opportunities to receive useful advice from an expert perspective.

Writer analyzing test results (research representative)

Development of consumer products using the security technology research promotion program

COLUMN

CommentaryCommentary

In the United States Department of Defense, various research organizations

contribute to technology development, and DARPA invests in breakthrough

technologies for national security. Investment by DARPA have contributed

to the creation of new defense technology such as precision weapons and

stealth technology, but also icons of civilian society such as the Internet

and Global Positioning System receivers small enough to fi t in your hand.

DARPA is an important actor in the U.S. innovation ecosystem. The Ministry of

Defense has conducted technology exchanges with various defense research

organizations, including DARPA, in order to carry out effi cient technology

development.

Technology interaction with the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

COLUMN

Technical exchange between representatives from DARPA and MOD


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Documents

Chapter 4 Measures on Defense Equipment and Technology · 2 Defense Technology Strategy and related documents 1 Technology fi elds with future importance and element technology 2