Japan’s military asks for eighth consecutive budget increase, seeking to counter regional threats with more equipment

The defence ministry has asked for a record 5.32 trillion yen (US$50.48 billion) budget, to buy more interceptor missiles and stealth fighters

This comes as Japan has increased defence outlays by a tenth in response to military build ups by neighbours such as China and North Korea

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Japan is seeking to buy nine Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighters, including six short take-off and vertical landing B variants (as pictured above). Photo: AP

Published: 2:51pm, 30 Aug 2019Updated: 10:43pm, 30 Aug 2019

Japan’s military has asked for an eighth straight annual increase in defence spending to help pay for US-made interceptor missiles, stealth fighters, and other equipment it wants to counter threats from North Korea and China.

The Ministry of Defence budget proposal released on Friday calls for spending to increase 1.2 per cent to a record 5.32 trillion yen (US$50.48 billion) in the year starting April 1. Finance ministry officials will scrutinise the request before it is approved by cabinet.

If approved, the defence budget will grow for the eighth year in a row under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Japanese destroyers JS Murasame (DD-101) and JS Akebono (DD-108). Photo: AP

Already one of the world’s biggest military spenders despite a constitution that forbids the possession of weapons to attack other countries, Japan has increased military outlays by a tenth over the past seven years. That growth is being driven by alarm over military build ups by its neighbours.

Japan’s spending, much of it on advanced weapons from the United States, has benefited the likes of Lockheed Martin Corp and Raytheon Co, and worried local contractors such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries who have seen their share of defence spending shrink.

US President Donald Trump has thanked Japan for buying the expensive US equipment, helping curtail criticism of Japan amid trade tensions between Tokyo and Washington.