Japan’s new defence budget focuses on AI and troop welfare
In response to recruitment challenges, Japan’s defence ministry plans to enhance troop conditions and leverage AI technologies while increasing efforts to recruit more women into the Self Defence Forces.
Japan’s defence ministry is ramping up investments in AI, automation, and troop welfare as it tackles a growing recruitment crisis. The ministry announced these measures alongside its latest budget request, aiming to maintain a strong military presence amid a shrinking birth rate and increasing security concerns surrounding China.
A 6.9% increase in defence spending has been proposed, totalling a record 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion). The strategy shift will fund AI surveillance systems for military bases, unmanned drones, and new automated warships with smaller crews. The move comes after Japan’s Self Defence Forces (SDF) experienced its worst recruitment year, enrolling less than half its target.
To address the shortfall, the defence ministry plans to offer financial incentives and improve living conditions, including more private sleeping quarters and better social media access. Special efforts are being made to increase female recruitment, with new accommodation and enhanced harassment prevention measures also included in the budget.
Japan is also exploring outsourcing training and support operations to civilian contractors and former SDF members, freeing up more troops for frontline duties.
As China’s military power grows, these steps form part of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s broader strategy to strengthen Japan’s defence capabilities.
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