The Defense Ministry has submitted its initial budget request for fiscal 2025, which includes a request for ¥323.2 billion to build a satellite constellation network for guiding missiles. This marks the first time that the ministry has requested over ¥8 trillion in its initial budget. The highest priority in the request is given to building up counterattack capabilities, with ¥970 billion allocated for related programs.
The requested funds for the satellite constellation network will be used to operate a group of small satellites. This network, consisting of many small satellites on the same orbit, will serve as an eye in the sky capable of detecting and tracking targets continuously. Currently, Japan operates 10 information-gathering satellites, but they are limited in their capabilities and cannot lock onto moving targets.
To enhance production capabilities of hypersonic guided missiles that fly at speeds faster than Mach 5, the ministry has requested ¥256.9 billion. Additionally, there is a request for ¥17 billion to acquire an improved version of Type 12 surface-to-ship guided missiles.
In fiscal 2025, deployment of new weapons such as U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles will begin. These plans align with decisions outlined in three defense documents revised in December 2022 and aim to increase Japan’s defense budget to ¥43 trillion between fiscal years 2023 and 2027.
It is worth noting that defense budget amounts have been rapidly increasing in recent years. However, it was revealed that approximately ¥130 billion from the fiscal year 2023 defense budget was not spent and returned to the treasury. Furthermore, there is still uncertainty regarding when new tax hikes will be implemented to fund these increases.
As a result, there may be debates about whether such raises to the defense budget are appropriate considering these factors.