Japan’s Defence Budget Surge to the World’s Third-largest Military Spender

Japan is on the verge of becoming the world’s third-largest military spender, with a proposed defence budget of 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) for the upcoming financial year. This unprecedented move is driven by increasing military threats, particularly from its authoritarian neighbour, China.

The proposed defence budget by Japan’s Defence Ministry is a staggering 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion), marking an unprecedented increase in military expenditure. This budget is a crucial component of a five-year military expansion plan, with the ambitious goal of doubling the nation’s annual defence spending to approximately 10 trillion yen by 2027. This significant boost in defence funding reflects Japan’s growing concerns over regional security and its commitment to enhancing its military capabilities.

Japan’s strategic focus with this budget surge is on strengthening its defence, particularly in the southwestern islands, where tensions with Beijing have been escalating. The budget allocates 970 billion yen ($6.7 billion) specifically for “strike-back capabilities,” emphasizing Japan’s intent to bolster its military presence in areas of strategic importance. Key investments include long-range missiles and advanced Aegis-class destroyers, aimed at ensuring Japan can respond effectively to any potential threats.

In the modern era, no defence budget is complete without a focus on cutting-edge technology. Japan is heavily investing in unmanned systems and artificial intelligence (AI) as part of its military expansion. The budget includes 103 billion yen ($710 million) for the development of drones, showcasing Japan’s commitment to reducing human casualties and enhancing the capabilities of its defence forces. Additionally, 314 billion yen ($2.17 billion) is earmarked for new multipurpose compact destroyers, further highlighting Japan’s focus on modernizing its military fleet.

Japan’s defence budget surge is a clear indication of the nation’s response to growing regional tensions and its determination to secure its interests amid an increasingly complex global security environment. With these investments, Japan is positioning itself as a formidable military power, ready to address the challenges of the 21st century.