Japan eyeing 5 trillion yen defense budget

http://atimes.com/2015/08/japan-eyeing-5-trillion-yen-defense-budget/



Japan’s ($1.8 billion dollar) Aegis destroyer Kirishima

Japan eyeing 5 trillion yen defense budget
By AT Editor on August 2, 2015
(From Nikkei Asian Review)

Japan’s Ministry of Defense will likely make a record budget request for fiscal 2016 as it seeks to buy new airborne refueling aircraft and continue building an Aegis destroyer. Soaring procurement costs due to the weaker yen will also be factored into the request.

The ministry expects to request a budget of more than 5 trillion yen ($40.3 billion) for fiscal 2016. The request is part of a two-step system. After each ministry submits its request, by the end of August, the government will debate the overall budget. After this process, the government compiles budget proposals, at the end of the year. For the first time, the government’s defense proposal to the Diet is expected to top 5 trillion yen.

It will be the first time for the Defense Ministry to request money for — and spend it on — airborne refueling and transport aircraft. Plans to purchase three such aircraft are included in the ministry’s 2014-2018 Mid-Term Defense Program.

The government is currently seeking to pass a set of bills that would allow Japan to exercise the right of collective self-defense. If the bills become law during the current parliamentary session, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces would be able to conduct greater logistical support of U.S. and other allies’ armed forces.