Japan Defense Ministry Boosts AI, Recruitment Efforts

Japan's defense ministry is addressing a severe recruitment shortfall by investing in artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and troop welfare, as revealed in its latest budget request. With only about 10,000 new recruits—half of its target—enrolled for the year ending March 31, the ministry is increasing defense spending by 6.9% to a record 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion). The plan includes allocating 18 billion yen for an AI surveillance system, acquiring unmanned drones, and ordering highly-automated air defense warships that require significantly fewer personnel. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to counter China's military assertiveness amid Japan's declining birth rate and competition from the private sector for potential recruits. Additionally, the budget aims to improve living conditions and offer financial incentives to attract a more diverse recruitment base, including women. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's earlier commitment to doubling defense spending underlines Japan's urgent need to maintain adequate troop levels and operational readiness in a changing security landscape.