In order to drastically strengthen defense capabilities, the Ministry of Defense will include in its budget request for next fiscal year's budget plan the start of mass production of "stand-off missiles" that can attack from outside the enemy's range, with so-called "counterattack capability" in mind. Policy.
The requested amount is the largest ever, and it is expected that securing financial resources will become one of the issues in the future debate on increasing defense spending.
In the budget request for next fiscal year's budget, the Ministry of Defense has requested a record amount of 5,594.7 billion yen, and will make "item requests" that do not indicate the amount for efforts to drastically strengthen defense capabilities within five years. Policy.
Specifically, with the possibility of using it as a "counterattack capability" in mind, it is a "stand-off missile" that can attack from outside the enemy's range. We are planning to start mass production of "high-speed glide bullets" used for
In addition, it is said that it will newly promote research and development of hypersonic guided missiles, and will secure ammunition manufacturing and ammunition stores in preparation for mass production of such missiles.
Furthermore, in addition to warning and surveillance and information gathering, the development of unmanned aerial vehicles that can be used for attacks will also be incorporated, and Aegis-equipped ships will be built as a replacement for the new interceptor missile system "Aegis Ashore", which has been abandoned for deployment. It is also said that it will be able to respond to hypersonic glide weapons as well.
Including the "item requirements", the final demand amount is expected to increase considerably.
Regarding the increase in defense spending, Prime Minister Kishida said, "We will discuss the content, budget, and financial resources as a set."