Japan's defense expenditures for the next fiscal year are expected to grow for the 10th consecutive year to a record high.
The Defense Ministry has been arranging with the Finance Ministry for a budget of more than 5.4 trillion yen, or roughly 48 billion dollars, for fiscal 2022, starting in April. The final decision will be made later this month.
About 89 million dollars would be allocated to the development and study of AI-equipped drones that can detect threats to fighter jets flying some distance away.
It would be the country's first outlay for such unmanned aircraft, coming as the Air Self-Defense Force seeks to develop next-generation fighters.
The ministry would set aside some 350 million dollars to convert the Ground Self-Defense Force's guided missiles into long-range cruise missiles that can be launched from destroyers and fighter jets.
The ministry would also spend around 50 million dollars to improve the radar systems of two Aegis ships to be built as alternatives to the Aegis Ashore land-based missile defense system, which has been abandoned.
The Defense Ministry has been arranging with the Finance Ministry for a budget of more than 5.4 trillion yen, or roughly 48 billion dollars, for fiscal 2022, starting in April. The final decision will be made later this month.
About 89 million dollars would be allocated to the development and study of AI-equipped drones that can detect threats to fighter jets flying some distance away.
It would be the country's first outlay for such unmanned aircraft, coming as the Air Self-Defense Force seeks to develop next-generation fighters.
The ministry would set aside some 350 million dollars to convert the Ground Self-Defense Force's guided missiles into long-range cruise missiles that can be launched from destroyers and fighter jets.
The ministry would also spend around 50 million dollars to improve the radar systems of two Aegis ships to be built as alternatives to the Aegis Ashore land-based missile defense system, which has been abandoned.
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Summary
Japan's defense budget for fiscal year 2022 is projected to reach a record high of over 5.4 trillion yen (48 billion USD), marking the 10th consecutive annual increase. Allocations include funds for AI-equipped drone development, long-range missile conversion, and radar system improvements for