#fighter capability

TOKYO | Japan to spend more on defense, refit first aircraft carrier

TOKYO  — Japan plans its first aircraft carrier and big increases in defense spending and weapons capability in the coming years, according to new defense guidelines approved Tuesday that cite its need to counter potential threats from North Korea and China and other vulnerabilities.

The guidelines approved at a meeting of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Cabinet call for refitting an existing…

TOKYO | Japan new defense plan bolsters fighter capability, budget

TOKYO — Japan has adopted new defense guidelines that include plans for its first aircraft carrier and increases in defense spending and arms capability in coming years, citing the need to counter potential threats from North Korea and China.

The defense plan was approved Tuesday by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Cabinet along with a record 27 trillion yen ($240 billion) five-year defense spending…