The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is embracing a ‘software first’ paradigm in its capability development, a strategic maneuver aimed at crafting a force structure adept at navigating the contemporary maritime landscape characterized by evolving technologies and emerging threats, as articulated by a senior JMSDF official.
“The operational dimensions of maritime security are swiftly evolving from tangible to intangible realms. We must transition to a capability-centric and ‘software first’ strategy to maintain our agility and relevance,” remarked Rear Admiral Naoya Hoshi, the JMSDF’s Director General of Logistics, during the Combined Naval Event 2025 held in Farnborough, UK, in late May.
“The ‘software first’ methodology we endorse marks a departure from an antiquated platform-centric viewpoint towards a capability-oriented paradigm,” Rear Adm Hoshi stated. “In this paradigm, platforms are regarded as integral components of a networked framework, aiming to maximize overall capability rather than merely emphasizing the proficiency of individual vessels.”
This view applies universally, embracing ships, aircraft, and uncrewed systems, the Admiral noted. “By architecting platforms around versatile software, we enhance speed, flexibility, and sustainability.”
“This pivot is not merely necessary; it is imperative—especially in an age where technological advances proliferate at an unprecedented pace,” emphasized Rear Adm Hoshi. “The concept of ‘software first’ has transcended mere preference; it is critical for operational efficacy.”
He noted that in a realm where communications and information wield decisive influence, “dominance now rests on the capacity to detect threats, analyze data, and execute prompt, informed decisions,” asserting that “the human/machine interface, augmented by software, constitutes a new frontier for maritime supremacy.
“Software must undergo perpetual iterations, akin to mobile applications.” “Defensive legacy systems bound to a ten-year cycle simply cannot adapt swiftly enough,” he lamented. “To preserve operational relevance, we must evolve from protracted development cycles to continuous enhancement.”
This need for ongoing operational relevance unfolds within a strategic landscape wherein the JMSDF navigates persistent themes while remaining pliable in the face of change.
Addressing the current global climate described as ‘a new era of crises,’ Rear Adm Hoshi reaffirmed the JMSDF’s foundational principles: to deter threats through unwavering peacetime operations and maintain capacity for decisive action in moments of crisis. Key focus areas encompass:
- Conducting continuous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
- Safeguarding maritime commerce and essential sea lines of communication.
- Enhancing Indo-Pacific security and stability by promoting free trade, the rule of law, and a rules-based order.
As highlighted by Rear Adm Hoshi, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine accentuates the urgency for the JMSDF’s transition to a ‘software first’ doctrine. The Admiral pointed out that modern warfare now increasingly leverages uncrewed systems, cyber capabilities, and artificial intelligence (AI) to tilt the scales of conflict, with such technologies maturing in a matter of months, weeks, or even days.
These technologies necessitate advanced software and high-quality data, underscoring software and data as foundational strategic enablers. On the topic of software, Rear Adm Hoshi remarked, “It enables autonomy, resilience, and adaptability across diverse domains, functioning as the brain for complex systems, ranging from integrated missile defense frameworks to autonomous vessels.”
Regarding data, the JMSDF recognizes it as pivotal in redefining its conceptualization of maritime power. “Data now drives decision-making…. It informs readiness, logistics, mission preparation, and even training,” he elaborated.
These strategic enablers are intrinsically interconnected, as Rear Adm Hoshi elucidated: “The ‘software first’ doctrine is contingent upon accessible operational data; to remain agile, we require real-time feedback loops bridging the field and development.” “In the absence of this, software may become detached from actual operational requirements,” he cautioned.
Rear Adm Hoshi delineated several implications arising from a ‘software first’ approach, including:
- Decoupling software from hardware lifecycle constraints.
- Designing platforms as parts of an integrated ‘system of systems.’
- Leveraging open architectures.
- Establishing shared data standards.
Even in the realm of hardware, the increasing utilization of non-consumable munitions like directed energy weapons is significantly shaped by the swift amalgamation of data and software. “Let it be clear: hardware remains essential, yet it is software that dictates how efficiently a platform functions, how swiftly it can be upgraded, and its adaptability across various missions,” emphasized Rear Adm Hoshi.
Uncrewed systems epitomize this shift in the hardware/software dynamic, according to the Admiral. “These platforms operate in tangible realms on, above, or beneath the ocean, but their true efficacy originates from software-driven autonomy,” he stated.
“In increasingly contested environments, the capability to function with limited human oversight, or even entirely autonomously, is becoming imperative. Achieving success will rely on machine learning, edge computing, and seamless human/machine collaboration.”
For instance, the JMSDF’s indigenous OYX-1 computer/console display system is architectured around an open framework, facilitating modular, scalable software applications tailored for both crewed platforms and the management of uncrewed systems.
This exemplifies the malleability characterizing the JMSDF’s capability-centric development strategy; the OYX-1 system can swiftly adjust and evolve operational functionalities via software modifications, rather than necessitating hardware upgrades, as elaborated by Rear Adm Hoshi in discussions with Naval News.
Fitted aboard the JMSDF’s new Mogami-class multirole frigates, which stand as the latest additions to the fleet—eight out of a planned twelve have already been commissioned, having commenced service in 2022, with the most recent, JS Yūbetsu, entering service in June.
The Mogami frigates, designed for exceptional adaptability, are engineered for continuous evolution, noted Rear Adm Hoshi. To optimize manpower efficiency, these vessels employ significant automation onboard and deploy uncrewed systems offboard.
Concluding his remarks at the conference, Rear Adm Hoshi asserted, “We must transition from platforms to capabilities, fostering a culture shift from hardware-centric to ‘software first’, and adopting real-time adaptability over fixed development cycles.” “This transformation is not merely technical; it demands a cultural and organizational renaissance,” he added.
Naval News Comment
Transitioning from a platform-centric focus to a capability-, network-, or data-driven strategy is not unprecedented among naval forces. Yet, the JMSDF’s emphasis on the critical role of software in this paradigm is remarkably noteworthy.
While navies and industry stakeholders have initiated discussions around developing software-defined systems, the JMSDF appears poised to escalate this notion, centering its entire approach to force structure evolution—whether involving crewed or uncrewed systems—on this capability-centric, software-first framework.
Source link: Navalnews.com.
