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Published: 16:05, August 31, 2021 | Updated: 18:02, August 31, 2021
Japan's defense ministry seeks fresh hike in military spending
By Agencies
Published:16:05, August 31, 2021 Updated:18:02, August 31, 2021 By Agencies

Japan's Ground Self-Defense Forces (JGSDF) soldiers take part in a live fire exercise at the JGSDF's training grounds in the East Fuji Manuever Area in Gotemba on May 22, 2021. (AKIO KON / POOL / AFP)

TOKYO - Japan's defense ministry is seeking an annual budget increase that will add to past hikes to expand military spending over a decade by almost a sixth.

The ministry's budget proposal, released on Tuesday, seeks an increase of 2.6 percent in spending, to a record 5.48 trillion yen (US$49.93 billion), for the year starting April 1.

The defense ministry is asking for 105 billion yen next year to develop its first new domestic jet fighter in three decades. The project, expected to be completed in the 2030s, at a cost of about US$40 billion, is being led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Finance ministry officials will review, and could amend, the request before sending it to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's cabinet for approval.

With the defense spending increases, Japan's strategy is to build a force armed with the latest equipment.

ALSO READ: Japan approves bill to oversee land deals near defense bases

Big-ticket spending requests include 130 billion yen for 12 Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 stealth fighters, four of which will be short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) B variants operating off converted helicopter carriers.

The defense ministry is asking for 105 billion yen next year to develop its first new domestic jet fighter in three decades. The project, expected to be completed in the 2030s, at a cost of about US$40 billion, is being led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Japan's forces, which defend its islands alongside US units, also want money for new compact warships and funds to buy and develop longer-range missiles to strike distant enemy targets, including land bases.

READ MORE: Japan approves building of 2 Aegis ships amid opposition

The ministry is also seeking funds for space-related forces, such as satellites and lasers to track targets beyond the atmosphere. It also wants 34.5 billion yen to strengthen defenses against cyber attacks.

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