Japan Seeks Record Defense Budget Amid Growing Security Concern

Japan’s Ministry of Defense has made a record-breaking defense budget request of 8.54 trillion yen (approximately 59 billion U.S. dollars) for the fiscal year 2025. This is the first time Japan’s defense budget request has exceeded the 8-trillion-yen mark, underscoring the government’s heightened focus on strengthening its military capabilities.

The proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning in April emphasizes the enhancement of Japan’s “counterattack capabilities.” The defense ministry has earmarked 970 billion yen for improving the country’s long-range defense systems, which includes the deployment and mass production of various long-range missiles. This allocation reflects Japan’s strategic shift towards bolstering its ability to respond to potential threats.

In addition to missile defense, the budget request includes 323.2 billion yen for the development of a satellite constellation system. This system is intended to deploy multiple small satellites capable of detecting and tracking warships, vessels, and missiles, further enhancing Japan’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

The ministry also plans to invest 3 billion yen in deploying self-destruct drones for the Ground Self-Defense Force, highlighting Japan’s commitment to modernizing its military technology. These drones would be used to strengthen Japan’s defensive posture and deter potential aggressors.

The proposed expansion of Japan’s military capabilities has sparked concerns both domestically and internationally. Critics argue that Japan’s push to develop the ability to strike enemy bases marks a departure from its post-war pacifist constitution, which has traditionally emphasized an “exclusively defense-oriented policy.” This shift is seen as a potential trigger for an arms race in the region, potentially destabilizing the regional security landscape.

At the end of 2022, the Fumio Kishida government controversially updated three key security and defense-related documents, including the National Security Strategy, despite significant opposition. The government also plans to allocate approximately 43 trillion yen to defense spending from fiscal 2023 through 2027, nearly 1.6 times the amount spent during the previous five-year period. This significant increase in defense spending reflects Japan’s determination to adapt to evolving security challenges.