An Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range (AARGM-ER) during a captive carry flight test at Patuxent River Air Station in Maryland. (US Navy photo)
SINGAPORE — Japan’s defense ministry is set to continue its trend of record-high defense budgets year-on-year, requesting 8.89 trillion yen ($55.6 billion) in its latest budget proposal.
Among the new kinds of weapons Japan is seeking are Northrop Grumman’s AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER), marking the first time Japan has said it’s keen on acquiring a dedicated anti-radar missile.
The ministry published its annual budget request on Monday for the coming fiscal year, which would start in April. Unlike previous years, the numbers and procurement costs for many of the items listed in the request were not included, likely because Japan has not yet released three key national security documents — the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, and the Defense Buildup Program — that will confirm the country’s procurement priorities and the numbers of platforms it will be acquiring. Those documents are expected later this year.
As such, the budget only flags the acquisition of platforms, such as additional Lockheed Martin F-35 fifth-generation fighters, Boeing KC-46 tankers, Kawasaki C-2 transport and P-1 anti-submarine aircraft, and improved Mogami-class frigates over the coming fiscal year, without revealing numbers or costs for each item.
