The Ministry of Defense has decided on a budget request for the next fiscal year's budget, which amounts to 5,479.7 billion yen.
With China in mind as it strengthens its marine advance, it includes acquisition costs for ships that transport troops to the islands in order to strengthen the defense capabilities of the Nansei Islands.
The Ministry of Defense held an online ministry meeting on the 31st, and decided on a budget request for the next fiscal year amounting to 5,479.7 billion yen.
Compared to the budget request for the previous year, it was about 10 billion yen less.
Among them, in order to strengthen the defense force of the Nansei Islands, with China strengthening its advance into the ocean, the acquisition cost of two ships transporting troops and equipment to the islands was 10.2 billion yen, and the Ground Self-Defense Force's guided missiles were used. , 37.9 billion yen is included as a development cost to improve the new long-range cruise missile that can be launched from escort vessels and fighters.
On the other hand, as each country is promoting the utilization of cutting-edge technology for military purposes, R & D expenses include 325.7 billion yen, which is the largest ever, and in addition to designing the aircraft and engine of the next fighter, " It includes research on AI = artificial intelligence to enable small satellites called "satellite constellations" to automatically analyze the position and movement of missiles.
In addition, for the "Aegis system-equipped ship" to be built as an alternative to the "Aegis Ashore" that was abandoned, the design cost and construction cost will not be recorded, and 5.8 billion yen will be included as the repair cost of the radar to be installed. is.
In addition, since the cost of repairing the F15 fighter has increased significantly from the initial estimate, the repair business will continue after the anti-ship missile is not installed, and as a "matter request" that does not specify the specific amount. I included it.
R & D expenses reach record high
According to the Ministry of Defense's budget request for the next fiscal year, R & D expenses have reached a record high.
In particular, we focused on research on AI = artificial intelligence, as we will focus on investment in a technology called "game changer" that can significantly change the way we fight.
Specifically, research on the performance of unmanned aircraft equipped with AI, which will fly in cooperation with the next fighter, and a group of small satellites called "satellite constellation" for missile defense will automatically position and move missiles. It includes research on AI to enable analysis with.
In addition, research expenses for "underwater unmanned aerial vehicle" technology to strengthen warning and surveillance at sea, and "airborne unmanned aerial vehicle" for detecting and tracking missiles flying in irregular orbits while staying in the sky. Research expenses for research and research are also included.
Behind the significant increase in R & D expenses, while each country is actively using cutting-edge technology for the military, Japan has a small budget for technical research and development, and it is technical as it is. It has been pointed out that the gap will widen.
Defense Minister Kishi "Significantly strengthens necessary defense capabilities and emphasizes resource allocation to priority areas"
In a ministry meeting held online, Minister of Defense Kishi said, "As the security environment around Japan is becoming more severe at an unprecedented rate, we will further accelerate various projects in order to significantly strengthen the necessary defense capabilities. Emphasis was placed on prioritized resource allocation to priority areas, such as the development of the next fighter and the strengthening of research and development of technologies that could become "game changers." I want you to do it. "