DefenseTokyo looks to bolster development pipeline and create secure R&D hubJapan looks to shore up its defense by offering support for startups with technology that has both civilian and defense applications. (Nikkei illustration)MEMI HIUCHI and RYUTO IMAOMay 19, 2026 02:07 JSTTOKYO -- Japan plans to allow advance payments for government procurement to support growth at startups with dual-use technologies related to artificial intelligence, drones and space.Read NextInterviewFinland open to Japan deals in dual-use tech: Helsinki mayorInterviewNATO in talks on Japan joining defense startup accelerator: officialCommoditiesJapan's Sumitomo Metal, Sojitz look to Southeast Asia for rare earthsAerospace & Defense IndustriesLed by industry, Japan and Taiwan plant seeds of drone cooperationAgricultureTurkish agri-drone maker hopes China fears will boost its sales in WestDefenseJapan charts buildup of homegrown drone industry in defense plansInterviewJapan government must lead arms production push: defense ministerAerospace & Defense IndustriesAirbus, Hitachi, Subaru and more join Japan-EU defense industry pushDefenseJapan companies to invest in defense tech with civilian useLatest on DefenseDefenseJapan to bolster sea lane defense with Southeast Asia info-sharing planDefenseJapan moves toward exporting surplus destroyers to PhilippinesDefenseIndia-Russia pact allows troops and warships on each other's soil