Japan Seeks Record Defense Budget Amid Growing Chinese Threat

Japan's defense ministry seeks record budget as it faces growing threat from China

Japan's Defense Ministry on Friday sought a record 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) budget for the next year to fortify its deterrence on southwestern islands against China's increasing threat. Defense officials were also focusing on unmanned weapons and artificial intelligence to make up for the declining number of servicemembers as a result of the country's shrinking population. The ministry's request for 2025 marks the third year of Japan's rapid five-year military buildup plan under the government's ongoing security strategy. Japan aims to spend 43 trillion yen ($297 billion) through 2027 to double its annual military spending to around 10 trillion yen, making it the world's No. 3 military spender after the United States and China. The budget request was approved at the Defense Ministry meeting Friday before a submission to the Finance Ministry for negotiations through December. Japan has been rapidly building up the defense of the southwestern region in recent years amid China's growing military threats and tension in the regional seas. China has escalated clashes with the Philippine coast guards in disputed waters in the South China Sea and sent a fleet of coast guard boats to routinely violate territorial waters around Japanese-controlled disputed islands in the East China Sea that Beijing also claims. A hefty 970 billion yen ($6.7 billion) of the budget request for 2025 covers the cost of bolstering strike-back capability with the development and purchases of long-range missiles and equipment for their launch, including from an Aegis-class destroyer. About one-third of it goes to a satellite constellation aimed at bolstering the capability to detect missile-related activity, as North Korea, China and Russia develop hypersonic missiles that are harder to detect and track. While pushing military buildup, Japan must deal with shrinking troop numbers and is focusing on developing and buying more drones for surveillance and combat, requesting 103 billion yen ($710 million). It also seeks 314 billion yen ($2.17 billion) to build three new multi-purpose compact destroyers that require 90 crew members, less than half the crew size currently needed. Japanese defense officials say combat drones are "game changers" that can be on hourslong missions and lower human losses in combat, and they consider it a main pillar of Japan's ongoing military buildup. The unmanned weapons can also help a country struggling with its aging and shrinking population. Japan has been struggling to fulfill Self-Defense Force, or SDF, troop levels at 247,000 people. The SDF has faced difficulty attracting young applicants in recent years and fulfilled only half of its recruiting target of 19,598 last year, making it the lowest in the 70 years of its history. Last year, 6,258 mid-career personnel left, the highest number in 30 years. "Due to declining childbirths and working age population, it is inevitable that Japan will face a society of serious labor shortage," the ministry said in an interim report on human resources, also released Friday. "We need to build an organization that can fight in new ways while strengthening defense power." Shrinking younger population and private companies that offer better salaries and benefits make "the environment surrounding recruiting servicemembers the worst since the end of World War II," the ministry report said. It requested 18 billion yen ($124 million) to introduce an AI surveillance system at 40 SDF bases across Japan, aiming to free up 1,000 service personnel. It is also asking 4.3 billion ($29.7 million) for automated supply storage for launch in 2027 in Okinawa. In the interim report released Friday, the ministry called for reforms to improve salary, working environment, more training and learning opportunities, as well as support for working mothers to attract more women. The ministry has been hit by a series of revelations of sexual assaults, harassment and abuse of power in recent years. Its internal investigation last year criticized cover-up attempts and a lack of sense of responsibility among supervisors. It came under fire in July over the leak of classified information and corruption scandals.

Japan's defense ministry seeks record budget as it faces growing threat from China

Japan's Defense Ministry has requested a record 8.5 trillion yen budget for 2025 to strengthen defenses on southwestern islands against China's threat. The budget focuses on unmanned weapons and AI to address declining troop numbers due to the shrinking population. Japan plans to spend 43 trillion yen through 2027 under a five-year military buildup plan, aiming to become the world's third-largest military spender.Japan's Defense Ministry Friday sought a record 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) budget for the next year to fortify its deterrence on southwestern islands against China's increasing threat, while focusing on unmanned weapons and AI to make up for the declining number of servicemembers as a result of the country's shrinking population. The ministry's request for 2025 marks the third year of Japan's rapid five-year military buildup plan under the government's ongoing security strategy. Japan aims to spend 43 trillion yen ($297 billion) through 2027 to double its annual military spending to around 10 trillion yen, making it the world's third-largest military spender after the United States and China. The budget request was approved at the Defense Ministry meeting Friday ahead of a submission to the Finance Ministry for negotiations through December. Japan has been rapidly building up the defense of the southwestern region in recent years amid China's growing military threats and tension in the regional seas. China has escalated clashes with the Philippine coast guards in disputed waters in the South China Sea and sent a fleet of coast guard boats to routinely violate territorial waters around Japanese-controlled disputed islands in the East China Sea that Beijing also claims. A hefty 970 billion yen ($6.7 billion) of the budget request for 2025 covers the cost of bolstering strike-back capability with the development and purchases of long-range missiles and equipment for their launch, including from an Aegis-class destroyer. About one-third of it goes to a satellite constellation aimed at bolstering the capability to detect missile-related activity, as North Korea, China and Russia develop hypersonic missiles that are harder to detect and track. While pushing military buildup, Japan must deal with a shrinking troop size and is focusing on developing and buying more drones for surveillance and combat, requesting 103 billion yen ($710 million). It also seeks 314 billion yen ($2.17 billion) to build three new multi-purpose compact destroyers that require 90 crewmembers, less than half the crew size currently needed. Japanese defense officials say combat drones are "game changers" that can be on hours-long missions and lower human losses in combat and consider it a main pillar of Japan's ongoing military buildup. The unmanned weapons can also help a country struggling with its aging and shrinking population. Japan has been struggling to fulfill SDF troop levels at 247,000 people. The Self-Defense Force has faced difficulty attracting young applicants in recent years and fulfilled only half of its recruiting target of 19,598 last year, making it the lowest in the 70 years of SDF history. Last year, 6,258 mid-career personnel left, the highest number in 30 years. "Due to declining childbirths and working age population, it is inevitable that Japan will face a society of serious labor shortage," the ministry said in an interim report on human resources, also released Friday. "We need to build an organization that can fight in new ways while strengthening defense power." Shrinking younger population and private companies that offer better salaries and benefits make "the environment surrounding recruiting servicemembers the worst since the end of World War II," the ministry report said. It requested 18 billion yen ($124 million) to introduce an AI surveillance system at 40 SDF bases across Japan, aiming to free up 1,000 service personnel. It is also asking 4.3 billion ($29.7 million) for automated supply storage for launch in 2027 in Okinawa. In the interim report released Friday, the ministry called for reforms to improve salary, working environment, more training and learning opportunities, as well as support for working mothers to lure more women. The ministry has been hit by a series of revelations of sexual assaults, harassment and abuse of power in recent years. Its internal investigation last year criticized cover-up attempts and a lack of sense of responsibility among supervisors. It came under fire in July over the leak of classified information and corruption scandals.

Japan's defense ministry seeks record budget as it faces growing threat from China

TOKYO (AP) -- Japan's Defense Ministry Friday sought a record 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) budget for the next year to fortify its deterrence on southwestern islands against China's increasing threat, while focusing on unmanned weapons and AI to make up for the declining number of servicemembers as a result of the country's shrinking population. The ministry's request for 2025 marks the third year of Japan's rapid five-year military buildup plan under the government's ongoing security strategy. Japan aims to spend 43 trillion yen ($297 billion) through 2027 to double its annual military spending to around 10 trillion yen, making it the world's third-largest military spender after the United States and China. The budget request was approved at the Defense Ministry meeting Friday ahead of a submission to the Finance Ministry for negotiations through December. Japan has been rapidly building up the defense of the southwestern region in recent years amid China's growing military threats and tension in the regional seas. China has escalated clashes with the Philippine coast guards in disputed waters in the South China Sea and sent a fleet of coast guard boats to routinely violate territorial waters around Japanese-controlled disputed islands in the East China Sea that Beijing also claims. A hefty 970 billion yen ($6.7 billion) of the budget request for 2025 covers the cost of bolstering strike-back capability with the development and purchases of long-range missiles and equipment for their launch, including from an Aegis-class destroyer. About one-third of it goes to a satellite constellation aimed at bolstering the capability to detect missile-related activity, as North Korea, China and Russia develop hypersonic missiles that are harder to detect and track. While pushing military buildup, Japan must deal with a shrinking troop size and is focusing on developing and buying more drones for surveillance and combat, requesting 103 billion yen ($710 million). It also seeks 314 billion yen ($2.17 billion) to build three new multi-purpose compact destroyers that require 90 crewmembers, less than half the crew size currently needed. Japanese defense officials say combat drones are "game changers" that can be on hours-long missions and lower human losses in combat and consider it a main pillar of Japan's ongoing military buildup. The unmanned weapons can also help a country struggling with its aging and shrinking population. Japan has been struggling to fulfill SDF troop levels at 247,000 people. The Self-Defense Force has faced difficulty attracting young applicants in recent years and fulfilled only half of its recruiting target of 19,598 last year, making it the lowest in the 70 years of SDF history. Last year, 6,258 mid-career personnel left, the highest number in 30 years. "Due to declining childbirths and working age population, it is inevitable that Japan will face a society of serious labor shortage," the ministry said in an interim report on human resources, also released Friday. "We need to build an organization that can fight in new ways while strengthening defense power." Shrinking younger population and private companies that offer better salaries and benefits make "the environment surrounding recruiting servicemembers the worst since the end of World War II," the ministry report said. It requested 18 billion yen ($124 million) to introduce an AI surveillance system at 40 SDF bases across Japan, aiming to free up 1,000 service personnel. It is also asking 4.3 billion ($29.7 million) for automated supply storage for launch in 2027 in Okinawa. In the interim report released Friday, the ministry called for reforms to improve salary, working environment, more training and learning opportunities, as well as support for working mothers to lure more women. The ministry has been hit by a series of revelations of sexual assaults, harassment and abuse of power in recent years. Its internal investigation last year criticized cover-up attempts and a lack of sense of responsibility among supervisors. It came under fire in July over the leak of classified information and corruption scandals.

Japan's defense ministry seeks record budget as it faces growing threat from China

TOKYO (AP) -- Japan's Defense Ministry Friday sought a record 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) budget for the next year to fortify its deterrence on southwestern islands against China's increasing threat, while focusing on unmanned weapons and AI to make up for the declining number of servicemembers as a result of the country's shrinking population. The ministry's request for 2025 marks the third year of Japan's rapid five-year military buildup plan under the government's ongoing security strategy. Japan aims to spend 43 trillion yen ($297 billion) through 2027 to double its annual military spending to around 10 trillion yen, making it the world's third-largest military spender after the United States and China. The budget request was approved at the Defense Ministry meeting Friday ahead of a submission to the Finance Ministry for negotiations through December. Japan has been rapidly building up the defense of the southwestern region in recent years amid China's growing military threats and tension in the regional seas. China has escalated clashes with the Philippine coast guards in disputed waters in the South China Sea and sent a fleet of coast guard boats to routinely violate territorial waters around Japanese-controlled disputed islands in the East China Sea that Beijing also claims. A hefty 970 billion yen ($6.7 billion) of the budget request for 2025 covers the cost of bolstering strike-back capability with the development and purchases of long-range missiles and equipment for their launch, including from an Aegis-class destroyer. About one-third of it goes to a satellite constellation aimed at bolstering the capability to detect missile-related activity, as North Korea, China and Russia develop hypersonic missiles that are harder to detect and track. While pushing military buildup, Japan must deal with a shrinking troop size and is focusing on developing and buying more drones for surveillance and combat, requesting 103 billion yen ($710 million). It also seeks 314 billion yen ($2.17 billion) to build three new multi-purpose compact destroyers that require 90 crewmembers, less than half the crew size currently needed. Japanese defense officials say combat drones are "game changers" that can be on hours-long missions and lower human losses in combat and consider it a main pillar of Japan's ongoing military buildup. The unmanned weapons can also help a country struggling with its aging and shrinking population. Japan has been struggling to fulfill SDF troop levels at 247,000 people. The Self-Defense Force has faced difficulty attracting young applicants in recent years and fulfilled only half of its recruiting target of 19,598 last year, making it the lowest in the 70 years of SDF history. Last year, 6,258 mid-career personnel left, the highest number in 30 years. "Due to declining childbirths and working age population, it is inevitable that Japan will face a society of serious labor shortage," the ministry said in an interim report on human resources, also released Friday. "We need to build an organization that can fight in new ways while strengthening defense power." Shrinking younger population and private companies that offer better salaries and benefits make "the environment surrounding recruiting servicemembers the worst since the end of World War II," the ministry report said. It requested 18 billion yen ($124 million) to introduce an AI surveillance system at 40 SDF bases across Japan, aiming to free up 1,000 service personnel. It is also asking 4.3 billion ($29.7 million) for automated supply storage for launch in 2027 in Okinawa. In the interim report released Friday, the ministry called for reforms to improve salary, working environment, more training and learning opportunities, as well as support for working mothers to lure more women. The ministry has been hit by a series of revelations of sexual assaults, harassment and abuse of power in recent years. Its internal investigation last year criticized cover-up attempts and a lack of sense of responsibility among supervisors. It came under fire in July over the leak of classified information and corruption scandals.

Japan's defense ministry seeks record budget as it faces growing threat from China

Japan's Defense Ministry has sought a record 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) budget for the next year to fortify its deterrence on southwestern islands against China's increasing threat, while focusing on unmanned weapons and AI to make up for the decli... TOKYO -- Japan's Defense Ministry Friday sought a record 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) budget for the next year to fortify its deterrence on southwestern islands against China's increasing threat, while focusing on unmanned weapons and AI to make up for the declining number of servicemembers as a result of the country's shrinking population. The ministry's request for 2025 marks the third year of Japan's rapid five-year military buildup plan under the government's ongoing security strategy. Japan aims to spend 43 trillion yen ($297 billion) through 2027 to double its annual military spending to around 10 trillion yen, making it the world's third-largest military spender after the United States and China. The budget request was approved at the Defense Ministry meeting Friday ahead of a submission to the Finance Ministry for negotiations through December. Japan has been rapidly building up the defense of the southwestern region in recent years amid China's growing military threats and tension in the regional seas. China has escalated clashes with the Philippine coast guards in disputed waters in the South China Sea and sent a fleet of coast guard boats to routinely violate territorial waters around Japanese-controlled disputed islands in the East China Sea that Beijing also claims. A hefty 970 billion yen ($6.7 billion) of the budget request for 2025 covers the cost of bolstering strike-back capability with the development and purchases of long-range missiles and equipment for their launch, including from an Aegis-class destroyer. About one-third of it goes to a satellite constellation aimed at bolstering the capability to detect missile-related activity, as North Korea, China and Russia develop hypersonic missiles that are harder to detect and track. While pushing military buildup, Japan must deal with a shrinking troop size and is focusing on developing and buying more drones for surveillance and combat, requesting 103 billion yen ($710 million). It also seeks 314 billion yen ($2.17 billion) to build three new multi-purpose compact destroyers that require 90 crewmembers, less than half the crew size currently needed. Japanese defense officials say combat drones are "game changers" that can be on hours-long missions and lower human losses in combat and consider it a main pillar of Japan's ongoing military buildup. The unmanned weapons can also help a country struggling with its aging and shrinking population. Japan has been struggling to fulfill SDF troop levels at 247,000 people. The Self-Defense Force has faced difficulty attracting young applicants in recent years and fulfilled only half of its recruiting target of 19,598 last year, making it the lowest in the 70 years of SDF history. Last year, 6,258 mid-career personnel left, the highest number in 30 years. "Due to declining childbirths and working age population, it is inevitable that Japan will face a society of serious labor shortage," the ministry said in an interim report on human resources, also released Friday. "We need to build an organization that can fight in new ways while strengthening defense power." Shrinking younger population and private companies that offer better salaries and benefits make "the environment surrounding recruiting servicemembers the worst since the end of World War II," the ministry report said. It requested 18 billion yen ($124 million) to introduce an AI surveillance system at 40 SDF bases across Japan, aiming to free up 1,000 service personnel. It is also asking 4.3 billion ($29.7 million) for automated supply storage for launch in 2027 in Okinawa. In the interim report released Friday, the ministry called for reforms to improve salary, working environment, more training and learning opportunities, as well as support for working mothers to lure more women. The ministry has been hit by a series of revelations of sexual assaults, harassment and abuse of power in recent years. Its internal investigation last year criticized cover-up attempts and a lack of sense of responsibility among supervisors. It came under fire in July over the leak of classified information and corruption scandals.

Japan's Defense Ministry Seeks Record Budget as It Faces Growing Threat From China

TOKYO (AP) -- Japan's Defense Ministry Friday sought a record 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) budget for the next year to fortify its deterrence on southwestern islands against China's increasing threat, while focusing on unmanned weapons and AI to make up for the declining number of servicemembers as a result of the country's shrinking population. The ministry's request for 2025 marks the third year of Japan's rapid five-year military buildup plan under the government's ongoing security strategy. Japan aims to spend 43 trillion yen ($297 billion) through 2027 to double its annual military spending to around 10 trillion yen, making it the world's third-largest military spender after the United States and China. The budget request was approved at the Defense Ministry meeting Friday ahead of a submission to the Finance Ministry for negotiations through December. Japan has been rapidly building up the defense of the southwestern region in recent years amid China's growing military threats and tension in the regional seas. China has escalated clashes with the Philippine coast guards in disputed waters in the South China Sea and sent a fleet of coast guard boats to routinely violate territorial waters around Japanese-controlled disputed islands in the East China Sea that Beijing also claims. A hefty 970 billion yen ($6.7 billion) of the budget request for 2025 covers the cost of bolstering strike-back capability with the development and purchases of long-range missiles and equipment for their launch, including from an Aegis-class destroyer. About one-third of it goes to a satellite constellation aimed at bolstering the capability to detect missile-related activity, as North Korea, China and Russia develop hypersonic missiles that are harder to detect and track. While pushing military buildup, Japan must deal with a shrinking troop size and is focusing on developing and buying more drones for surveillance and combat, requesting 103 billion yen ($710 million). It also seeks 314 billion yen ($2.17 billion) to build three new multi-purpose compact destroyers that require 90 crewmembers, less than half the crew size currently needed. Japanese defense officials say combat drones are "game changers" that can be on hours-long missions and lower human losses in combat and consider it a main pillar of Japan's ongoing military buildup. The unmanned weapons can also help a country struggling with its aging and shrinking population. Japan has been struggling to fulfill SDF troop levels at 247,000 people. The Self-Defense Force has faced difficulty attracting young applicants in recent years and fulfilled only half of its recruiting target of 19,598 last year, making it the lowest in the 70 years of SDF history. Last year, 6,258 mid-career personnel left, the highest number in 30 years. "Due to declining childbirths and working age population, it is inevitable that Japan will face a society of serious labor shortage," the ministry said in an interim report on human resources, also released Friday. "We need to build an organization that can fight in new ways while strengthening defense power." Shrinking younger population and private companies that offer better salaries and benefits make "the environment surrounding recruiting servicemembers the worst since the end of World War II," the ministry report said. It requested 18 billion yen ($124 million) to introduce an AI surveillance system at 40 SDF bases across Japan, aiming to free up 1,000 service personnel. It is also asking 4.3 billion ($29.7 million) for automated supply storage for launch in 2027 in Okinawa. In the interim report released Friday, the ministry called for reforms to improve salary, working environment, more training and learning opportunities, as well as support for working mothers to lure more women. The ministry has been hit by a series of revelations of sexual assaults, harassment and abuse of power in recent years. Its internal investigation last year criticized cover-up attempts and a lack of sense of responsibility among supervisors. It came under fire in July over the leak of classified information and corruption scandals. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Japan's defense ministry seeks record budget as it faces growing threat from China

The ministry's request for 2025 marks the third year of Japan's rapid five-year military buildup plan under the government's ongoing security strategy. Japan aims to spend 43 trillion yen through 2027 to double its annual military spending to around 10 trillion yen, making it the world's third-largest military spender after the United States and China. The budget request was approved at the Defense Ministry meeting Friday ahead of a submission to the Finance Ministry for negotiations through December. Japan has been rapidly building up the defense of the southwestern region in recent years amid China's growing military threats and tension in the regional seas. China has escalated clashes with the Philippine coast guards in disputed waters in the South China Sea and sent a fleet of coast guard boats to routinely violate territorial waters around Japanese-controlled disputed islands in the East China Sea that Beijing also claims. A hefty 970 billion yen of the budget request for 2025 covers the cost of bolstering strike-back capability with the development and purchases of long-range missiles and equipment for their launch, including from an Aegis-class destroyer. About one-third of it goes to a satellite constellation aimed at bolstering the capability to detect missile-related activity, as North Korea, China and Russia develop hypersonic missiles that are harder to detect and track. While pushing military buildup, Japan must deal with a shrinking troop size and is focusing on developing and buying more drones for surveillance and combat, requesting 103 billion yen . It also seeks 314 billion yen to build three new multi-purpose compact destroyers that require 90 crewmembers, less than half the crew size currently needed. Japanese defense officials say combat drones are "game changers" that can be on hours-long missions and lower human losses in combat and consider it a main pillar of Japan's ongoing military buildup. The unmanned weapons can also help a country struggling with its aging and shrinking population. Japan has been struggling to fulfill SDF troop levels at 247,000 people. The Self-Defense Force has faced difficulty attracting young applicants in recent years and fulfilled only half of its recruiting target of 19,598 last year, making it the lowest in the 70 years of SDF history. Last year, 6,258 mid-career personnel left, the highest number in 30 years. "Due to declining childbirths and working age population, it is inevitable that Japan will face a society of serious labor shortage," the ministry said in an interim report on human resources, also released Friday. "We need to build an organization that can fight in new ways while strengthening defense power." Shrinking younger population and private companies that offer better salaries and benefits make "the environment surrounding recruiting servicemembers the worst since the end of World War II," the ministry report said. It requested 18 billion yen to introduce an AI surveillance system at 40 SDF bases across Japan, aiming to free up 1,000 service personnel. It is also asking 4.3 billion for automated supply storage for launch in 2027 in Okinawa. In the interim report released Friday, the ministry called for reforms to improve salary, working environment, more training and learning opportunities, as well as support for working mothers to lure more women. The ministry has been hit by a series of revelations of sexual assaults, harassment and abuse of power in recent years. Its internal investigation last year criticized cover-up attempts and a lack of sense of responsibility among supervisors. It came under fire in July over the leak of classified information and corruption scandals.

Japan's defense ministry seeks record budget as it faces growing threat from China

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force tanks parade during the Self-Defense Forces Day at Asaka Base in Asaka, north of Tokyo in this photo taken on Oct. 23, 2016. AP-Yonhap Japan's Defense Ministry Friday sought a record 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) budget for the next year to fortify its deterrence on southwestern islands against China's increasing threat, while focusing on unmanned weapons and AI to make up for the declining number of servicemembers as a result of the country's shrinking population. The ministry's request for 2025 marks the third year of Japan's rapid five-year military buildup plan under the government's ongoing security strategy. Japan aims to spend 43 trillion yen ($297 billion) through 2027 to double its annual military spending to around 10 trillion yen, making it the world's third-largest military spender after the United States and China. The budget request was approved at the Defense Ministry meeting Friday ahead of a submission to the Finance Ministry for negotiations through December. Japan has been rapidly building up the defense of the southwestern region in recent years amid China's growing military threats and tension in the regional seas. China has escalated clashes with the Philippine coast guards in disputed waters in the South China Sea and sent a fleet of coast guard boats to routinely violate territorial waters around Japanese-controlled disputed islands in the East China Sea that Beijing also claims. A hefty 970 billion yen ($6.7 billion) of the budget request for 2025 covers the cost of bolstering strike-back capability with the development and purchases of long-range missiles and equipment for their launch, including from an Aegis-class destroyer. About one-third of it goes to a satellite constellation aimed at bolstering the capability to detect missile-related activity, as North Korea, China and Russia develop hypersonic missiles that are harder to detect and track. While pushing military buildup, Japan must deal with a shrinking troop size and is focusing on developing and buying more drones for surveillance and combat, requesting 103 billion yen ($710 million). It also seeks 314 billion yen ($2.17 billion) to build three new multi-purpose compact destroyers that require 90 crewmembers, less than half the crew size currently needed. Japanese defense officials say combat drones are "game changers" that can be on hours-long missions and lower human losses in combat and consider it a main pillar of Japan's ongoing military buildup. The unmanned weapons can also help a country struggling with its aging and shrinking population. Japan has been struggling to fulfill SDF troop levels at 247,000 people. The Self-Defense Force has faced difficulty attracting young applicants in recent years and fulfilled only half of its recruiting target of 19,598 last year, making it the lowest in the 70 years of SDF history. Last year, 6,258 mid-career personnel left, the highest number in 30 years. "Due to declining childbirths and working age population, it is inevitable that Japan will face a society of serious labor shortage," the ministry said in an interim report on human resources, also released Friday. "We need to build an organization that can fight in new ways while strengthening defense power." Shrinking younger population and private companies that offer better salaries and benefits make "the environment surrounding recruiting servicemembers the worst since the end of World War II," the ministry report said. It requested 18 billion yen ($124 million) to introduce an AI surveillance system at 40 SDF bases across Japan, aiming to free up 1,000 service personnel. It is also asking 4.3 billion ($29.7 million) for automated supply storage for launch in 2027 in Okinawa. In the interim report released Friday, the ministry called for reforms to improve salary, working environment, more training and learning opportunities, as well as support for working mothers to lure more women. The ministry has been hit by a series of revelations of sexual assaults, harassment and abuse of power in recent years. Its internal investigation last year criticized cover-up attempts and a lack of sense of responsibility among supervisors. It came under fire in July over the leak of classified information and corruption scandals. (AP)

Japan's defence ministry seeks record budget as it faces growing threat from China

Japan's Defence Ministry Friday (August 30, 2024) sought a record 8.5 trillion-yen (USD 59 billion) budget for the next year to fortify its deterrence on southwestern islands against China's increasing threat while focusing on unmanned weapons and AI to make up for the declining number of servicemembers as a result of the country's shrinking population. The ministry's request for 2025 marks the third year of Japan's rapid five-year military buildup plan under the government's ongoing security strategy. Japan aims to spend 43 trillion yen (USD 297 billion) through 2027 to double its annual military spending to around 10 trillion yen, making it the world's third-largest military spender after the United States and China. The budget request was approved at the Defence Ministry meeting Friday (August 30, 2024) ahead of a submission to the Finance Ministry for negotiations through December. Japan scrambles jets after Chinese aircraft 'violates' airspace Japan has been rapidly building up the defence of the southwestern region in recent years amid China's growing military threats and tension in the regional seas. China has escalated clashes with the Philippine coast guards in disputed waters in the South China Sea and sent a fleet of coast guard boats to routinely violate territorial waters around Japanese-controlled disputed islands in the East China Sea that Beijing also claims. A hefty 970 billion yen (USD 6.7 billion) of the budget request for 2025 covers the cost of bolstering strike-back capability with the development and purchases of long-range missiles and equipment for their launch, including from an Aegis-class destroyer. About one-third of it goes to a satellite constellation aimed at bolstering the capability to detect missile-related activity, as North Korea, China and Russia develop hypersonic missiles that are harder to detect and track. While pushing military buildup, Japan must deal with a shrinking troop size and is focusing on developing and buying more drones for surveillance and combat, requesting 103 billion yen (USD 710 million). It also seeks 314 billion yen (USD 2.17 billion) to build three new multi-purpose compact destroyers that require 90 crewmembers, less than half the crew size currently needed. Japanese defence officials say combat drones are "game changers" that can be on hours-long missions and lower human losses in combat and consider it a main pillar of Japan's ongoing military buildup. The unmanned weapons can also help a country struggling with its aging and shrinking population. Japan has been struggling to fulfil SDF troop levels at 247,000 people. The Self-Defence Force has faced difficulty attracting young applicants in recent years and fulfilled only half of its recruiting target of 19,598 last year, making it the lowest in the 70 years of SDF history. Last year, 6,258 mid-career personnel left, the highest number in 30 years. "Due to declining childbirths and working age population, it is inevitable that Japan will face a society of serious labour shortage," the ministry said in an interim report on human resources, also released Friday. "We need to build an organisation that can fight in new ways while strengthening defence power." India-Japan defence partnership vital to ensure free, open Indo-Pacific, says government Shrinking younger population and private companies that offer better salaries and benefits make "the environment surrounding recruiting servicemembers the worst since the end of World War II," the ministry report said. It requested 18 billion yen (USD 124 million) to introduce an AI surveillance system at 40 SDF bases across Japan, aiming to free up 1,000 service personnel. It is also asking 4.3 billion (USD 29.7 million) for automated supply storage for launch in 2027 in Okinawa. In the interim report released Friday (August 30, 2024), the ministry called for reforms to improve salary, working environment, more training and learning opportunities, as well as support for working mothers to lure more women. The ministry has been hit by a series of revelations of sexual assaults, harassment and abuse of power in recent years. Its internal investigation last year criticised cover-up attempts and a lack of sense of responsibility among supervisors. It came under fire in July over the leak of classified information and corruption scandals. Read Comments

Japan's defense ministry seeks record budget as it faces growing threat from China

Japan's Defense Ministry has requested a record 8.5 trillion yen budget for 2025 to strengthen defenses on southwestern islands against China's threat. The budget focuses on unmanned weapons and AI to address declining troop numbers due to the shrinking population. Japan plans to spend 43 trillion yen through 2027 under a five-year military buildup plan, aiming to become the world's third-largest military spender.

Japan's on Brink of Becoming World's Third-Largest Military Spender

Japan's Defense Ministry has asked for an unprecedented budget of 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) for the upcoming financial year as the nation faces growing military threats from China. The proposed budget, which would be Japan's largest ever, is part of its plans to bolster its defense capabilities, particularly in the southwestern islands, where tensions with Beijing are intensifying. The proposal, which still needs to be submitted to the finance ministry for final approval, marks the third year of Japan's ambitious five-year military expansion plan. The government plans to allocate 43 trillion yen ($297 billion) by 2027, effectively doubling its annual defense spending to around 10 trillion yen. This increase would position Japan as the world's third-largest military spender after the U.S. and China. Beijing has been ramping up its military presence in the region for some years. Its incursions into the waters surrounding the disputed islands, known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan and Diaoyu in China, have become more frequent and have led to increased tensions in the area. In response, Japan has been making efforts to strengthen its defenses, particularly around the East China Sea. Around 970 billion yen ($6.7 billion) of the proposed budget has been earmarked for ramping up its strike-back capabilities. This includes the development and acquisition of long-range missiles and the necessary launch systems, such as those on Aegis-class destroyers. Japan also wants to establish a satellite constellation designed to improve missile detection capabilities, an increasingly critical need as North Korea, China, and Russia advance their hypersonic missile programs. Tokyo is also investing heavily in unmanned systems and artificial intelligence. The budget proposal includes 103 billion yen ($710 million) for the development and procurement of drones for both surveillance and combat missions. Additionally, 314 billion yen ($2.17 billion) has been requested to construct three new multipurpose compact destroyers, which will require fewer crew members than current models. Japanese defense officials have described drones as a "game changer," citing their potential to reduce human casualties and conduct extended missions. These technologies are seen as vital for a country grappling with demographic challenges, including an aging population and a shrinking workforce. Recently, the country's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) have struggled to meet their recruitment targets, filling only half the 19,598 positions needed last year-the lowest level in the SDF's 70-year history. The government attributes this a combination of declining birthrates and competition from the private sector, which offers more attractive salaries and benefits.

Japan's defense ministry seeks record budget as it faces growing threat from China - Times of India

Japan's Defense Ministry has requested a Dollar 59 billion budget for 2025, aiming to counter China's growing military threats with a focus on unmanned weapons and AI. The plan includes developing long-range missiles and improving satellite capabilities as part of a broader initiative to double annual military spending, addressing troop shortages and technological advancements.