>>181010, >>181011, >>181012
Ambassador Mike Waltz @michaelgwaltz - This is a big deal. Japan is an ally truly stepping up to ensure the Pacific stays free and open.
Quote:
Visioner @visionergeo
BREAKING - The Japanese government has approved a major relaxation of arms export rules, effectively ending the post-war pacifism era and opening the country's military-industrial complex to the global market.
Japan, with a $60 billion military budget, already produces high-tech systems — ranging from submarines and warships to its own missiles, tanks, and combat aircraft. Corporations like Toshiba and Mitsubishi Electric are beginning massive hiring and factory expansions, expecting defense sales to grow by more than 50% by 2031.
As a first practical step, Tokyo plans to supply second-hand missile frigates to the Philippines to strengthen the balance against China in the South China Sea, as well as joint projects with Poland in the fields of electronic warfare and anti-drone systems.
Additionally, Ukraine is expected to join this initiative: an industrial group is already being formed in Tokyo to combine the efforts of Japanese and Ukrainian drone manufacturers.
Although the ban on supplying weapons to active war zones remains, the formation of supply chains independent from the U.S. in Asia makes Japan a serious competitor, including for South Korea and Israel.
At the same time, the country's relatively unique and self-sufficient technological base allows it to quickly take a position in the niche of air defense components and systems, offering allies an alternative to the overburdened U.S. defense industry.
See the latest updates with us: @visionergeo
https://x.com/michaelgwaltz/status/2044534395852263799

Ambassador Mike Waltz @michaelgwaltz - 90% of Iran’s economy is fueled by trade on the sea. It has been stopped.
Quote:
OSINTdefender @sentdefender
In a statement from Adm. Brad Cooper, the Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), he states that the blockade of Iranian ports “has been fully implemented as U.S. forces maintain maritime superiority in the Middle East.” Cooper adds that since the blockade begin on Monday, roughly 36 hours ago, “U.S. forces have completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea.”