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Japan’s record defence budget proposals prompt major reorganisation for navy

2nd October 2024 - 07:01 GMT | by Gordon Arthur in Christchurch

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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

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