Japan's Ministry of Defense requests record budget due to threat from China
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
Japan's Ministry of Defense requested a record 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) budget for the next year on Friday to bolster defense on its southwestern islands amid growing threats from China, according to AP.
Japanese defense officials also focus on unmanned weaponry and artificial intelligence to compensate for the reduction in military personnel due to the country's declining population.
The ministry's request for 2025 marks the third year of Japan's rapid five-year military buildup plan under the current government security strategy. Japan plans to spend 43 trillion yen (297 billion dollars) by 2027 to double its annual military expenditures to around 10 trillion yen. This makes it the third-largest military spender in the world, after the U.S. and China.
6.7 billion dollars of the 2025 budget request will cover costs to enhance response capabilities by developing and procuring long-range missiles and launch equipment, including from Aegis destroyers. About one-third of this is allocated to a satellite group aimed at boosting detection capabilities for missile-related activities, as North Korea, China, and Russia develop hypersonic missiles that are harder to detect and track.
As Japan increases its military support, it must address the decrease in troop numbers. Therefore, 103 billion yen (710 million dollars) will go towards acquiring drones. The Ministry of Defense also wants to spend 314 billion yen (2.17 billion dollars) on building three new multi-role compact destroyers.
Last week, the Philippines accused Beijing of new provocations in the South China Sea.
Taiwan's authorities are preparing their citizens for a possible Chinese invasion.
