Japan Seeks Record Budget to Boost Defense With AI

Japan's Defense Ministry has requested a historic 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) budget for the next fiscal year to enhance defense capabilities against China. This proposal includes investments in advanced technologies such as unmanned weaponry and artificial intelligence to mitigate the impact Japan's shrinking population has had on its military numbers. The budget request is part of a five-year plan to elevate Japan's defense spending; it expects to spend 43 trillion yen ($297 billion) through 2027 and become the world's third-largest military spender, after the US and China.

A significant portion of the 2025 budget, 970 billion yen ($6.7 billion), is dedicated to improving strike-back capability through the acquisition of long-range missiles and related equipment. This includes funding for a satellite system to enhance missile detection amidst hypersonic missile development by North Korea, China, and Russia. To counter the drop in troop numbers, with only half of its recruitment target met last year, Japan is focusing heavily on combat drones and AI, seeing these technologies as "game changers" that can reduce human losses and support an aging population.

Additionally, Japan's Defense Ministry is seeking 103 billion yen ($710 million) for drones and 314 billion yen ($2.17 billion) for new warships requiring fewer crew members. The ministry plans AI surveillance systems at 40 bases. Addressing recruitment challenges, the ministry emphasizes reforms to improve salaries, working conditions, and support for working mothers, amidst ongoing internal investigations into sexual harassment and misconduct within the defense forces. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)