Japan Approves Record 8.7 Trillion Yen Defense Budget

Japan's Cabinet has approved a record defense budget of 8.7 trillion yen ($55 billion) for 2025, marking the third year of a five-year military buildup initiated under the 2022 national security strategy. This budget aims to enhance Japan's strike-back capabilities against growing threats from China, North Korea, and Russia, including the deployment of U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles. The defense budget is part of a larger national budget bill totaling over 115 trillion yen ($730 billion), which requires parliamentary approval by March. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized the necessity of increased defense spending to address emerging security challenges, despite Japan's pacifist post-war constitution. Additionally, Japan aims to double its annual military spending to comply with NATO standards by 2027. The defense allocation includes investments in missile defense systems and the domestic defense industry, with plans to build advanced multi-purpose destroyers.