apan’s Defense Ministry plans to set up a technology research center this fall to develop applications for innovations such as artificial intelligence, aiming to encourage cooperation with the private sector like that seen in the U.S.
Plans include using AI and image recognition technology to develop autonomous vehicles that can operate in full darkness, which current self-driving capabilities are generally not designed for.
The center will also research new, more sensitive methods to detect submarines from a distance using subatomic particles and electromagnetic waves. Conventional sonar has become less effective following technological improvements that have made subs quieter.
Also on the agenda is a new program to subsidize research by private companies. The success of subsidized projects will be assessed after at most three years, while recipients will not be required to return the money if a project fails. The program aims to encourage businesses to innovate rapidly without worrying about financial risk.
The center will employ around 100 people. About half will come from private companies and academia, with 10 serving as program managers responsible for designing and overseeing projects. Recruitment wrapped up in mid-April.
The facility will be modeled on institutions such as the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) — a government agency that invests in technology for future military applications — and the Defense Innovation Unit based in Silicon Valley.
The research center will develop both transformational “breakthrough” technologies and civilian applications for defense technologies during peacetime.
Japan has made boosting its defense technology base a goal of its broader military buildup plans. The government sees this as key to ensuring the Self-Defense Forces can compete with China’s People’s Liberation Army, which has been working to integrate dual-use technologies such as AI and quantum computing.
