Japan's Ministry of Defense is now considering establishing a new research body that is modeled on a US agency that will support civilian technology with military applications, as reported by Nikkei Asia.

They plan to launch it in 2024, which will target cutting-edge projects in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and drones. This was triggered by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia as the need to maintain a technological edge resurfaced.

In addition, China is pushing to integrate civilian technology into the military as part of its expansion. Japan can't risk being left behind with an outdated equipment. 

The First Step

As Japan's first step, they will study foreign research agencies involved in national security and how they are harnessed. The findings will be used for home discussions. 

Specifically, they are looking at the US'Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as a model. DARPA has a $4 billion budget and focuses on businesses and researchers involved in revolutionary research that could disrupt or end existing systems. Every program has a manager with the authority to handle projects with a high risk of failing. 

DARPA has been credited with building predecessors of the modern internet and Global Positioning System (GPS). 

In addition, Japan's Defense Ministry will also look into the Defense Innovation Unit that is established in Silicon Valley. 

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Emerging Technology and Military Applications

Matching technologies with military applications is a challenge. The budget for 2023 seeks 21.4 billion yen for "bridge research" to explore how existing basic research can be used for military purposes. 

Also, under the national security technology fund, research has begun on optical wireless underwater communications to allow an exchange of larger volumes of information than with sonar. Currently, the bridge research is being conducted with underwater drones. 

The military technology fund will be dedicated to a project that is destined to speed up the development of advanced technology and to produce systems with a military purpose. The project will focus on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nanotechnology. 

Japan is now looking for ways to defend its nation from an invasion and also from weaponization of emerging technologies. It is already a leader in robotics, but now it is looking to expand its expertise with other technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing. 

Japan is now more focused on emerging technology and is considering it as a threat. The new agency will provide Japan with technology that will keep them ahead of other nations. China has been investing heavily in technology and Japan has decided to follow suit.

For now, Japan is looking into the technologies and determining how they will be used. The country's defense budget may expand to accommodate these new projects.

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Written by April Fowell