2024-09-07 20:22:52
Tokyo: Japan has increased its military budget tremendously to counter China. For this, the Japanese Defense Ministry has made a provision for its largest budget ever of about $ 58 billion in the fiscal year 2025. Through this, Japan will try to implement the plans mentioned in the Defense White Paper and Defense Construction Program in early 2025. This budget will better prepare Japan to defend itself and its neighboring friendly countries in the Indo-Pacific.
Japan will spend 2% of GDP by 2027
With this projected increase in the military budget, Japan will try to reach its target of spending 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2027. However, this budget still needs budgetary approval from the Cabinet. Currently, Japan’s military budget is 1.4% of GDP. Since Japan’s GDP growth rate is around 1%, it will still need a huge increase in budgetary allocations over the next three years to meet the target set by the US for its NATO and Asian allies.
What threatens Japan the most?
The Japanese Defense Ministry’s white paper has cited China, Russia and North Korea as threats to the country. The China-Russia and North Korea-Russia dynamic has also been identified as a threat to Japan. During his last visit to the US, outgoing Prime Minister Kishida told the US Congress that Japan will now not only be a regional partner but will also shoulder global responsibilities as an ally of the US. This means that in Ukraine and Taiwan, Japan will do more to support US objectives.
Preparing for the Japanese army offensive
This additional expenditure in the military budget will transform the Japanese Self-Defense Forces into an army that adopts a more active strategy. Under this, the Japanese army will not hesitate to take aggressive action to defend itself. A large part of the additional budget will also be spent on purchasing weapons from America. These include 500 Tomahawk missiles, which can be launched from warships and submarines. This will greatly increase the power of the Japanese Navy.
Japan will buy weapons in large quantities
Japan is also impressed by the increasing effectiveness of drone warfare. For this, Japan is thinking of buying MQ-9 Reaper drones from the US. Apart from these, options like Aegis class destroyers, advanced patrol aircraft, submarines and a strong coast guard are also under consideration. The Japanese Navy’s largest ships, helicopter carriers Izumo and Kaga, are now being converted into aircraft carriers. These carriers will now carry more number of American F-35 fighter aircraft and additional anti-submarine helicopters.