TOKYO: Japan’s Defense Ministry announced plans to invest in artificial intelligence, automation, and improved living conditions for troops to tackle a significant recruitment shortfall. The ministry’s latest budget request calls for a 6.9 percent increase to a record 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion).
The move comes after the Self Defense Forces (SDF) experienced its worst recruitment results, signing up just under 10,000 new members for the year ending March 31—half the target. The increased defense spending follows Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s 2022 decision to double the budget in response to growing regional threats, particularly from China. Japan’s declining birth rate has exacerbated the challenge of maintaining the SDF’s current troop levels of 250,000. To address this, the ministry plans to use artificial intelligence for base security and purchase unmanned drones and three highly-automated air defense warships, each requiring only 90 sailors.
The SDF will also outsource some training and support roles to former members and civilian contractors. To attract more recruits, especially women, the ministry will improve living conditions and offer financial incentives. This includes a 16.4 billion yen investment in better accommodation for female personnel, including upgraded toilets and showers, and enhanced harassment training. These measures aim to modernize the SDF and address both domestic recruitment challenges and regional security concerns.
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