Japan's Self-Defense Forces protected US, UK military assets 11 times in 2025

Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) carried out 11 foreign weapons protection missions in 2025, marking a significant role in safeguarding U.S. and British military assets. According to official statements, these operations were conducted under national security laws aimed at strengthening bilateral and global cooperation. Notably, this year saw the SDF protect British forces for the first time, signaling an expansion of Japan's defense commitments. Four of the missions involved protecting U.S. wa