Overview

• Japan's defense ministry has requested an unprecedented 8.5 trillion yen for fiscal 2025, marking a significant increase from previous years.
• The budget focuses on enhancing long-range missile systems and developing a satellite constellation for improved missile detection.
• Investments include 3 billion yen for self-destruct drones and 103 billion yen for surveillance and combat drones.
• Japan's military buildup is driven by growing threats from China and North Korea, with increased tensions in the East and South China Seas.
• The defense ministry also plans to address troop shortages with AI systems and improved working conditions to attract more recruits.