Japan Ministry of Defense Next Year's Budget Hits Record High of 54 Trillion Won+α... "Goal to Possess 1,000 Long-Range Missiles"

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile (SSM)

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] According to the Asahi Shimbun on the 21st, Japan's Ministry of Defense plans to request a record-high defense budget of 5.5 trillion yen (approximately 54 trillion KRW) for next year, an increase of more than 100 billion yen from this year's 5.4005 trillion yen. Additionally, there are reports of moves to possess more than 1,000 long-range missiles.

According to the Asahi Shimbun and Yomiuri Shimbun, the Ministry of Defense's budget for next year will increase to an all-time high amount. It will reach 5.5 trillion yen (approximately 54 trillion KRW), the largest ever. Furthermore, costs necessary for the development of long-range missiles and other items are expected to be included as "matters requested" (事項要求, items listed without specifying amounts). Including these, the Ministry of Defense's budget will increase to 5.5 trillion yen (approximately 54 trillion KRW) plus α.

The matters requested are reported to include mass production of "stand-off missiles" capable of attacking from outside the enemy's attack range, introduction of offensive unmanned aerial vehicles, facility maintenance for strengthening cyber education, and reinforcement of related unit systems.

The Japanese government plans to finalize the budget during the budget formulation process, including matters requested, based on three security documents such as the National Security Strategy to be revised at the end of the year.

Japan is extending the range of the Type 12 surface-to-ship missile to 1,000 km, reaching the coastal areas of North Korea and China, and is working on modifications to enable launch not only from vehicles but also from ships and fighter jets.

The ground-launched modified version of the Type 12 surface-to-ship missile is planned to be deployed in fiscal year 2024, about two years earlier than originally scheduled.