Key Facts
• Japan’s Defense Ministry announced a record budget request of ¥8.8454 trillion for FY2025.
• The budget includes ¥3.128 trillion for unmanned aerial vehicles, tripling previous allocations.
• ¥1.287 trillion will fund thousands of attack drones for coastal defense under the “SHIELD” system.
• A total of ¥1.0246 trillion is allocated for advanced weaponry, including hypersonic missiles.
• The ministry plans to rebrand the Air Self-Defense Force as the Aerospace Self-Defense Force.
• Satellite launches are planned to enhance intelligence-gathering capabilities.
• This is the fourth year of a five-year plan to strengthen Japan’s defense, totaling ¥43 trillion.
Summary
Japan’s Defense Ministry has proposed a record-breaking budget of ¥8.8454 trillion for fiscal year 2025, reflecting a strategic shift in response to evolving global conflicts. The budget prioritizes unmanned aerial vehicles, with ¥3.128 trillion allocated, including ¥1.287 trillion for thousands of attack drones to bolster coastal defense under the “SHIELD” system. Additionally, ¥1.0246 trillion will fund advanced weaponry, such as hypersonic missiles and upgraded anti-ship missiles. The ministry also plans to rebrand the Air Self-Defense Force as the Aerospace Self-Defense Force and launch satellites to enhance intelligence capabilities. This marks the fourth year of a five-year, ¥43 trillion defense enhancement initiative.
