North Korea said Japan’s record defense budget prepared for fiscal 2027 could further strain the security environment in East Asia.
In a commentary published by its state news agency KCNA, North Korea said Japan’s Defense Ministry was preparing to request a budget of approximately 8.9 trillion yen ($56 billion) for the next fiscal year. It added that the final amount could reach 10 trillion yen ($63 billion) once budget discussions were completed.
Weapons systems in Japan’s defense plan
The planned spending includes developing hypersonic missiles that can be launched from submarines, deploying attack drones and integrating artificial intelligence into military command systems. Japan also plans to purchase additional long-range missiles.
KCNA described the acquisition of long-range attack weapons, including U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles, as a sign that Tokyo is moving away from its postwar pacifist policy.
KCNA’s accusations against Japan
In its commentary, the agency alleged that Tokyo was using concerns over regional threats to expand the capabilities of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. KCNA claimed that these forces were gradually being transformed into a preemptive strike force.
Japan’s defense spending plan is part of a five-year defense capability development program covering fiscal years 2023 through 2027. The program provides for total funding of 43 trillion yen ($270 billion) over that period.
Tokyo has regularly increased defense spending since adopting a new national security strategy in 2022. Japan justifies these increases by citing security threats it says stem from China, North Korea and Russia.
Analysts warn that Japan’s expansion of its defense capabilities could contribute to an arms race in East Asia. China has also criticized Japan’s military buildup.
