South Korean media: Japan spends $850 million to purchase thousands of drones

¬ 100 trillion KRW defense budget, accelerating acquisition of advanced weapons

"We must transform into the world's most proficient organization in utilizing drone equipment."

Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba made this statement after visiting Prodrone, a drone manufacturer in Nagoya, on the 20th, adding: "The foundation of drone production and technology must remain domestic." He also noted: "The U.S. plans to procure one million drones within the next two to three years; Russia or Ukraine operates between 5 to 7 million drones annually. Japan should likewise consider redefining its defense strategy in light of evolving warfare realities."

After setting a record-high defense budget of 100 trillion KRW (approximately RMB 450 billion) for this year, the Japanese government is accelerating the procurement of advanced weaponry. Under the postwar pacifist constitution that prohibits war and forbids maintaining armed forces, Japan has traditionally maintained only minimal defensive capabilities. However, with escalating military threats such as North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, Japan is now seeking to significantly enhance its defense posture.

Introducing 10 types, thousands of unmanned systems

The Japanese government plans to introduce ten types of unmanned assets—including drones, unmanned surface vessels, and unmanned underwater vehicles—into the Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces, aiming to establish the "Shield" coastal defense system by next year. This year alone, about 1 trillion KRW (equivalent to $850 million) will be spent purchasing several thousand drones. Witnessing how inexpensive drones rendered hundreds of billions of KRW worth of weaponry ineffective during the Russia-Ukraine war, Japan views drones as an indispensable weapon for countering the growing military buildup of neighboring major powers. Before establishing domestic mass-production capabilities, Japan will heavily import American-made explosive drones—the "Lucas" model. Additionally, it plans to acquire U.S.-made long-range maritime surveillance drones, the "Sea Guardian," to create airborne radar bases. This move aims to enhance reconnaissance accuracy through radar systems, enabling simultaneous tracking of multiple targets even under adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, Japan will deploy unmanned surface vessels, unmanned submersibles, anti-drone systems, and other unmanned platforms along its coastlines to preemptively deter enemy advances.

Securing 1,500 long-range missiles by 2032

The weapon receiving the largest investment from Japan is "long-range missiles." Previously, Japan possessed only short-range intercept missiles, anti-ship, and air-to-ship missiles necessary for minimal defense. But as the importance of direct strikes against enemy missile bases—"counterattack capability"—has become increasingly evident, Japan has allocated 5 trillion yen (approximately 47 trillion KRW) over five years starting in 2022 to acquire more than ten types of long-range missiles, including cruise missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles. Japan aims to acquire 1,500 such missiles by 2032.

In March this year, Japan first deployed the upgraded Type 12 anti-ship missile with a range of 1,000 kilometers at a Self-Defense Force base in Kenjō, Kumamoto Prefecture. Currently undergoing upgrades, the goal is to enable launch from ground, sea, air, and submarines, extending the range to 1,500 kilometers. On the same day, high-speed glide projectiles (HVGP)—capable of defending Kyushu and Okinawa regions—were deployed at a base in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture. When launched via rocket booster, these missiles can fly at speeds exceeding Mach 5, perform maneuverable trajectory changes to evade enemy air defenses, and deliver rapid strikes. The plan is to extend their current range of 500–900 kilometers to 2,000 kilometers.

Before establishing domestic mass production capabilities, Japan plans to actively utilize U.S.-produced Tomahawk cruise missiles. The Tomahawk demonstrated exceptional accuracy and striking power during the 1991 Gulf War, with a range exceeding 1,600 kilometers. Japan intends to import a total of 400 missiles from September this year through March next year, deploying them across eight Aegis-equipped destroyers. Mobile deployment of Tomahawk missiles aboard Aegis destroyers allows for maximum utilization of their range.

Additionally, Japan plans to sequentially deploy submarine-launched cruise missiles (SLCMs) with a range of 1,000 kilometers and hypersonic cruise missiles capable of trajectory adjustment in the coming years, working toward securing multi-layered "stand-off" missile capabilities.

Two light aircraft carriers… Developing next-generation fighters

As an island nation placing emphasis on maritime defense, Japan is also intensifying efforts to develop light aircraft carriers capable of countering China’s advanced aircraft carriers. It is converting two Hyūga-class destroyers—originally designed to operate helicopters—into light aircraft carriers capable of launching fighter jets. After the conversion is completed next year, they will be able to deploy the F-35B stealth vertical takeoff and landing fighter jets at sea.

Japan is also investing heavily in developing next-generation fighters. In collaboration with the UK and Italy, Japan is working on the GCAP (Global Combat Air Programme), targeting a sixth-generation fighter with a combat radius of 3,000 kilometers, set for deployment by 2035. This aircraft will be capable of commanding drones, conducting joint operations, serving as a "wingman" (companion aircraft), and detecting enemy fighters at long distances. Recently, reports emerged that following the UK government's hesitation over its fighter development commitment due to financial constraints, the Japanese government exerted pressure, leading both sides to agree on a support package worth 6 billion pounds (approximately 12 trillion KRW).

After Prime Minister Sanae Haga's remarks in the previous year regarding "a crisis involving Taiwan," relations between Japan and China have deteriorated, fueling internal momentum within Japan’s ruling circles to accelerate strengthening previously weak defense capabilities. China and Russia continue to harshly criticize Japan's military buildup. In a joint statement issued after their summit meeting on the 20th, China and Russia included language stating: "Japan's accelerated 're-militarization' seriously threatens regional peace and stability; we urge Japan to abandon its new militarism and re-militarization."

Source: Dong-a Ilbo

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865856429172736/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author