One of Japan’s most important defense policy changes since World War II has been marked by a substantial military spending spree. The transition away from peace will be difficult, though, as tensions between the US and China over Taiwan continue to rise. & nbsp,
The Japanese Ministry of Defense( MOD ) proposed a US$ 52.9 billion defense budget for the fiscal year 2024, according to Naval News’ & nbsp report from late last month. The expenditures will include money for the construction of two Aegis System-equipped vessels ( ASEV ) and two brand-new multi-mission frigates( FFM ). & nbsp,
The proposed ASEVs are 1.7 times larger than the Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided missile ships of the US Navy, measuring 190 meters in length, 25 feet wide, and 12 000 plenty in movement. & nbsp,
The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force( JMSDF) will receive the first ASEV in financial 2027, and the next in the following financial year. Each will cost roughly$ 2.7 billion to construct.
For US$ 1.2 billion, the JMSDF plans to replace its current Mogami-class FFMs with 12 fresh ones, according to Naval News. The new FFMs will have a number of improved features, such as improved anti-submarine capabilities, extended missile range, and improved coastal operating proficiency. & nbsp,
With the JMSDF budgeting 42.3 billion renminbi($ 290 million ) for the overhauls, Japan also intends to change its two Izumo-class aircraft operators to handle Lockheed Martin F-35B champion plane.
According to reports, Japan’s MOD is also eager to improve its digital warfare abilities. To achieve this, it intends to develop a particular electronic warfare aircraft that will strengthen its electromagnetic spectrum capabilities, which are essential for cross-domain operations, and adapt to the more complex electronic combat environment. & nbsp,
The US and Japan are working together to develop a$ 512 million Glide Phase Interceptor ( GPI ), with Japan primarily in charge of developing the rocket motor and propulsion systems for the kill vehicle.
Last but not least, according to Naval News, the Chinese MOD intends to create a new group of precision-guided missiles with greater amounts than current stocks by the financial year 2030. & nbsp,
A 14, 500-ton replenishment vessel, research into combat support multipurpose Unmanned Surface Vessels ( USVs ), and the creation of uncrewed amphibious vehicles are also being sought after by Japan’s MOD for 82.5 billion yen($ 566 million ).
Jingdong Yuan notes that the Fumio Kishida government approved three policy documents in 2022( National Security Strategy, & nbsp, National Defense Strategy and the & npsf, Defense Buildup Program ) to begin the military expansion over the course of at least the following five years in an article published in February 2023 for the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute( SIPRI ). & nbsp,
Given long-standing tensions with China and North Korea as well as regional disputes with Russia in light of the ongoing Ukraine War, Jingdong notes that the expenditures will allow Japan to participate more actively in social self-defense with the US and increase its capacity to work power beyond its edges. & nbsp,
The author claims that the new strategic documents represent a major step toward reestablishing Japan’s new defensive position, which is based on its alliance with the US and prioritizes forging economic ties and security alliances with” like-minded” nations. & nbsp,
According to Jingdong, Japan’s national security technique no longer relies on US protection but rather has become more integrated, with innovative economic security strategies, increased security consultations, and improved military ties with countries outside the Indo-Pacific, including Australia, India, Italy, the UK.
Jingdong does, nonetheless, highlight a number of obstacles to this novel policy’s implementation. First, he claims that continual domestic support will be needed to finance Japan’s new spending plans, especially if tax increases and overall spending reductions are necessary. & nbsp,
Second, according to Jingdong, Japan’s most important military buildup since World War II perhaps be viewed as a threat by its neighbors, no least China, North Korea, and Russia. Thirdly, he makes reference to possible interaction in conflict areas outside of Chinese place, particularly in the Taiwan Strait. & nbsp,
In a February 2023 article for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace & nbsp, Jennifer Kavanagh notes that Japan will likely continue to rely on the US in many ways and be constrained in its capacity to significantly contribute to any regional crises until well into the 2030s. & nbsp,
According to Kavanagh, the US Department of Defense ( DOD ) and State Department anticipate that China will quickly consider taking aggressive military action against Taiwan or other theater targets. As a result, Japan’s transition may not have an impact on US plans for regional deterrence and contingency operations or US defense spending. & nbsp,
For instance, despite Japan’s growing arsenal of long-range missiles and nbsp as a potential counterstrike capability against China and North Korea, it is likely that it will rely on the US to fill the capability gap due to its relatively limited intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance ( ISR ) capabilities. & nbsp,
According to Kavanagh, in order to solve these shortcomings, Japan will need to make significant investments in upgraded and superior air defense systems, weapons that improve its long-range strike capability, and general infrastructure like airfields, ports and highways. & nbsp,
The author contends that additional funding will be required to create new order structures, including a continuous combined offices, as well as to support improved capabilities and training for Chinese forces stationed in Southwest Japan, carefully close to Taiwan.
According to Kavanagh and others, Japan has a lot of time to implement its fresh, high-budget security strategy, which may not fully materialize until well after 2027. In the event of a Taiwan disaster, it might already be too late for Japan to reduce its security stress on the US. & nbsp,
In a 2021 RAND content, Derek Grossman speculates that China may take action against the autonomous area in 2027 or earlier, with the potential success of Chinese Vice President Lai Ching-te in the future 2024 presidential elections serving as potential catalyst for Taiwanese military action. & nbsp,
Lai has been branded by China as a” separatist” and an” independence supporter ,” increasing the likelihood that if he is elected, China will use military force to achieve” reunification.” Lai recently emphasized Taiwan’s status as an independent country, saying last month that it is a” fact” that the island is sovereign.