Japan’s budget reflects fears for remote islands
Japan’s defence budget grew by 2.1% for the 2019 fiscal calendar to a new seven-year high of $47 billion. Much of the money goes to securing ‘remote islands’ from Chinese attack, and building safeguards against North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities.
Approved by the MoD on 31 August, the budget still needs parliamentary and cabinet approval, though barriers appear unlikely with increased Chinese naval and air power projection in the East China Sea and continued fears over North Korea.
Though the report never mentions the Senkaku Islands by name, with references only to the ‘southwestern region’ or ‘remote islands’,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence
The Canadian Department of National Defence has been increasing efforts to accelerate the acquisition of new equipment and modernise its in-service inventory.
-
Palantir and Boeing partner up to bring AI to defence manufacturing
The partnership with the US airframer will see Palantir’s AI software leveraged to help streamline data analytics across Boeing’s 12 factories on defence and classified programmes.
-
DroneShield to double its US footprint to meet growing demand for counter-UxS capabilities
DroneShield disclosed to Shephard its plans to increase its workforce and manufacturing capacities while strengthening partnerships with US suppliers.
-
Singapore’s DSTA seeks wider partnerships to advance robotics and AI capabilities
The technology organisation is expecting a significant rise in the number of staff working across robotics and digital solutions as it becomes more of a focal point.
-
Modular and attritable equipment must be a priority: US military
Senior officers and representatives from the US Army, US Air Force and US Navy emphasised the need to expedite acquisition projects for systems and platforms that are more modular. They also highlighted that the loss of equipment is acceptable.