When one of the world’s most advanced, high-technology militaries, that, even with a relatively low level of spending, still has one of the most capable forces on the planet, decides that it will double its spending…it gets attention.

When that power is one of America’s best friends, it generates smiles.That may be too broad a description, but for those in the national security arena looking beyond the Russo-Ukrainian War and events in Southwest Asia, this is one of the most important developments of the last few years.Where is Japan going?

Returning to the Midrats Podcast is Jack McCain.

Jack is a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot and the CEO of McCain Advisory, a Japan-based firm helping companies navigate Japanese politics, business, and government relations. Now based in Japan, his work focuses on strengthening U.S.–Japan ties through business partnerships, defense cooperation, and emerging technology. He brings both a security perspective and a personal commitment to understanding the country he now calls home. He is also a member of the McCain Institute Board.

Show Links

• Defense of Japan 2026 White Paper

Summary

Midrats hosts Sal and Mark speak with Jack McCain, a former Navy helicopter pilot and newly relocated Tokyo-based defense professional, about Japan’s rapidly changing national-security posture. They examine rising defense spending, unmanned systems, the SHIELD littoral-defense concept, Japan’s ties with Taiwan and regional partners, and how the United States can build a stronger alliance through co-development rather than one-way sales.

Key topics

• Jack McCain describes Japan’s shift toward greater defense spending, domestic production, and exports of lethal equipment, including a target of roughly 8-10 trillion yen in defense requests.
• Regional pressure from China, North Korea, and Russia is driving a broader reassessment of Japanese defense, with Taiwan’s security central to Tokyo’s concerns.
• Japan’s demographic and recruiting challenges are pushing investment in automation, AI, and unmanned systems, while McCain cautions against importing US or Ukrainian solutions without adapting them to Japanese needs.
• The SHIELD concept takes a layered approach to littoral defense using air, surface, and underwater unmanned systems, including drones intended to intercept other drones.
• McCain argues the United States should reaffirm its commitment to Japan and support joint research, co-development, and co-production instead of making Japan reliant on US-made equipment.
• Japan’s whole-of-nation approach includes civil defense, industrial mobilization, investment, and public preparedness for attacks.
• Japan-Taiwan cultural closeness and security concerns reinforce regional cooperation, while Japan also builds defense ties with the United States, Australia, South Korea, and the Philippines.
• The US-2 flying boat could address long-range Pacific combat search-and-rescue and other missions; McCain urges US policymakers to explore acquisition or co-production.
• The Australia-Japan Mogami-class frigate deal, including eventual Australian production, is a major postwar Japanese defense export and a long-term industrial partnership.

Takeaways

• The notional front of the 21st century and the closest point of approach for great power competition is here in Japan.
• Japan will manufacture defense equipment, they will export defense equipment, and they will be a major player on the world stage.
• You shouldn’t just take the Ukrainian solution or you should not take the US solution. You should find a Japanese solution that works for Japanese problems.
• You will always need humans, but trying to minimize those...