Japan Requests Record $59 Billion Defense Budget

Japan's Defense Ministry has requested a record budget of 8.54 trillion yen ($59 billion) for fiscal year 2025, marking the 13th consecutive increase as the country seeks to bolster its military capabilities in response to threats from China, North Korea, and Russia. This budget proposal is part of a broader five-year plan aiming to double Japan's military expenditure to approximately 10 trillion yen by 2027, making it the world's third-largest military spender. Key investments include 970 billion yen for long-range missile development and a significant allocation for satellite systems to enhance missile detection. The request aligns with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's commitment to strengthen national defense amidst ongoing regional tensions, including recent incursions by Chinese military aircraft into Japanese airspace. As Japan navigates a declining military workforce, there is a focus on unmanned systems, which are viewed as crucial to modernizing its defense strategy. The budget will be submitted to the Finance Ministry for review, with final decisions expected in December.