The Strategist

Japan's Defense Ministry requests record budget due to threats from China



09/02/2024 - 03:23



AP reported that Japan's Defense Ministry asked for 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) for 2025 due to increasing concerns about China's threat.



PICRYL
PICRYL
The ministry approved the budget request during a meeting on August 30. Next, it will proceed to the Finance Ministry for discussions that will continue until December.

It indicates that, in addition to other uses, 970 billion yen will need to be allocated for enhancing retaliatory strike capabilities through the procurement and development of long-range missiles and related equipment.

An additional ¥103 billion would be allocated for the advancement and acquisition of drone technology.

Additionally, three destroyers are being requested to be built at a cost of 314 billion yen.

The organization highlights Japan's recent efforts to enhance defense capabilities in the southwestern region of the country due to increasing threats from China. The country's officials intend to allocate 10 trillion yen per year for defense in 2027. According to the report, Japan will become the third country globally in military expenditure, following the United States and China.

source: apnews.com