Regarding the total defense budget for the next five years, Liberal Democratic Party chairman Hagiuda has indicated that he wants to secure 43 trillion yen.
To strengthen defense capabilities, Prime Minister Kishida has instructed the government to implement budget measures that will reach 2% of GDP in fiscal 2027, including defense spending and related expenses. We are considering between 40 trillion yen and 43 trillion yen.
Under these circumstances, the Liberal Democratic Party's political affairs research chairman Hagiuda met with former Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Shiotani, who is acting chairman of the Abe faction, on the morning of the 2nd, and received recommendations compiled by factions to strengthen defense capabilities.
According to several attendees, Mr. Hagiuda said, "Everyone will do their best to secure the amount of 43 trillion yen over five years. There are various discussions about financial resources, so we should take time to discuss them thoroughly. It means that he said.
While Mr. Hagiuda has called for the steady development of the necessary defense capabilities, he is cautious about discussing tax increases at this point as a means of securing financial resources.