Japan’s record defence budget proposals prompt major reorganisation for navy
The JMSDF is heading for a major reorganisation that will affect platforms such as the helicopter carrier JS Izumo pictured here. (Photo: author)
Despite a record budget proposal, Japan’s military force has continued to face staffing problems, while the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force readies itself for a major upheaval of its surface fleet.
In its draft FY2025 defence budget, Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) has tabled a record sum of JPY8.5 trillion ($59.4 billion), with the amount requested eclipsing this year’s defence expenditure of JPY7.95 trillion by 7%.
Tabled in August, if the budget is approved in December, defence expenditure would reach 1.4% of GDP. Japan has pledged defence spending of JPY43 trillion over a five-year period from FY2023–27, with the goal of reaching a GDP ratio of 2%.
Tokyo has remained alarmed at Chinese, Russian and North Korean intransigence, including the vulnerability of its southwest archipelago. In response, the MoD has proposed
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Thales secures new order from Saudi Arabia for CAPTAS family of sonars]()
Thales secures new order from Saudi Arabia for CAPTAS family of sonars
Riyadh has placed an order for five CAPTAS-1 to equip the Avante 2200 corvettes built by Navantia. The French company has also been discussing the supply of the CAPTAS-4 Compact for the future FREMM-EVOs of the Italian Navy.
-
![Royal New Zealand Navy loses first vessel to the sea in 80 years]()
Royal New Zealand Navy loses first vessel to the sea in 80 years
The HMNZS Manawanui ran aground while surveying a reef near Samoa although all hands were saved.
-
![German Navy places its faith in F125 frigates]()
German Navy places its faith in F125 frigates
First-of-class Baden-Württemberg, a German F125 frigate, has been put to the test and declared suitable for Indo-Pacific operating conditions.
-
![Keel laid for Portuguese multi-purpose ship]()
Keel laid for Portuguese multi-purpose ship
In June 2022, the Portuguese Navy released the concept of a multifunctional ship called Plataforma Naval Multifuncional (PNM) and a tender was issued in late May 2023. A contract with Damen was signed in November 2023.
