The defense budget request, which will be sent to the finance ministry to consider before making a decision in December, calls for strengthening the nation’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) system and stand-off defense capabilities to counter rising military threats posed by China, North Korea, and Russia.
The budget requests related to the maritime domain are as follows:
Construction of three New FFMs ($2.2 billion)
The defense ministry requested 314 billion yen ($2.2 billion) to build three new multirole frigates, called “New FFM” in Tokyo. The new ships are essentially improved Mogami-class multirole frigates of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Requesting construction costs for three New FFMs in one year is very unusual because the MoD has so far secured the budget only for either two Mogami-class FFMs or two New FFMs every year.
Specifically, the MoD has secured money to procure a total of 12 Mogami-class frigates until the current FY 2023, with plans to acquire budgets to construct 12 New FFMs from 2024 until 2028. It’s a very high pace for the MoD to procure the new class of 12 warships in just 5 years. This reflects the increasingly severe security environment surrounding Japan, forcing Tokyo to ramp up efforts to strengthen the country’s naval forces in a short period.
With a standard displacement of 4,800 tons, the new frigate class will be heavier and larger than the Mogami class, which has a smaller standard displacement of 3,900 tons. The MoD said the new class’s crew complement will be only 90, the same as that of the Mogami class.
The defense ministry said the new-class FFM will be fitted with improved operational capabilities that can load longer-range missiles, enhanced anti-submarine capabilities, and better capabilities for various maritime operations.
Specifically, the ship-launched, improved version of the Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile (SSM),and the new ship-to-air guided missile (or simply A-SAM) will be equipped with the new-class FFM.
With better anti-aircraft and search capabilities, the New FFM may become closer to the FFG (missile frigate).
Acquisition of the ship-launched, improved version of the Type 12 SSM ($117.6 million)
The MoD will begin mass production of the long-range, ship-launched, improved version of the Type 12 SSM in fiscal 2025.
Preparation for various tests of two Aegis system equipped vessels – ASEVs ($558.5 million)
The MoD asked for 80.8 billion yen ($558.5 million) as expenses related to the acquisition of two Aegis system equipped vessels. Specifically, it made mention of costs associated with preparation for various tests, including demonstration tests.
The ASEVs are an alternative to the two land-based Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defense (BMD) system, which was cancelled in June 2020 during the Shinzo Abe administration over concerns that falling components from missile interceptors might hit heavily populated areas over Japan.
The defense ministry explained that the new ships will be 190 meters long, 25 meters wide, and have a standard displacement of 12,000 tons. In comparison, the two Maya-class Aegis-equipped destroyers are 170 meters long, 21 meters wide, and have a standard displacement of 8,200 tons.
The JMSDF is expected to take delivery of the first ASEV during fiscal year 2027, with the second one in the following fiscal year.
Modification of JS Izumo（$12.4 million)
The MoD requested about 1.8 billion yen ($12.4 million) to continue modifying its Izumo-class helicopter carrier, JS Izumo, into aircraft carrier capable of enabling Lockheed Martin F-35B fighter aircraft operations. Specifically, it asked for funds to construct the power monitoring and control panel for JS Izumo, which is necessary for the ship to complete the ship’s second major modification.
The modifications of its two Izumo-class helicopter carriers – JS Izumo and JS Kaga – into light aircraft carriers are aimed at strengthening deterrence against the Chinese military, which is making remarkable advances into the Pacific Ocean. The modifications of both ship have been carried out twice each, taking advantage of the large-scale regular inspections of the ships, which are carried out every five years.
During this fiscal 2024, as its second modification, JS Izumo is undergoing the conversion of the bow section of its flight deck from a trapezoid into a square shape, following JS Kaga’s same modifications during the fiscal 2023.
There was no budget request for next fiscal 2025 for JS Kaga. The first renovation of JS Kaga was completed in fiscal 2023. The second renovation will begin in fiscal 2026.
The MoD said JS Izumo‘s modification is scheduled to be completed in fiscal 2027, and JS Kaga‘s in fiscal 2028.
Acquisition of various transport vessels ($140.5 million)
In order to strengthen maritime transport capabilities to remote islands, especially in Japan’s southwestern Nansei island chain, which spans about 1,200 km from Kagoshima to Okinawa, stretching southwest toward Taiwan, the MoD will procure one medium-sized transport vessel, one small transport vessel, and one maneuver support vessel (MSV) during the next fiscal year.
In order to operate those new vessels, new “Maritime Transport Units” (provisional name) will be established at the JMSDF Kure Base as a joint army, naval and air force in March 2025. The number of members at the flotilla will be about 100 from the three services, according the MoD.
Acquisition of submarine-launched missiles ($20.8 million)
The MoD asked for 3 billion yen ($20.8 million) to acquire the new submarine-launched missile.
It is a long-range cruise missile that can be launched from a submarine’s torpedo tubes. The MoD has been developing this anti-ship and land-attack missile as part of its stand-off defense capabilities since fiscal 2023. In April 2023, it announced that it had signed a contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to develop this submarine-launched missile. The development is expected to be completed in fiscal 2027.
The MoD explained that the missile will be installed on the JMSDF’s newest Taigei-class submarines.
Acquisition of ship-based small UAV ($25.6 million)
The MoD requested 3.7billion yen ($25.6 million) to acquire small ship-based unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to improve the surveillance and intelligence gathering capabilities of surface vessels.
Research into underwater VLS ($207.6 million)
The MoD asked for 30 billion yen ($207.6 million) to conduct research on a vertical launch system that can be installed on submarines. By doing this, the ministry aims to further diversify its launch platforms and gain undersea superiority.
Research on new Aegis ships ($22.8 million)
The MoD requested 3.3 billion yen ($22.8 million) to conduct technology study to consider a successor to the decommissioned Kongo-class Aegis destroyers.
Research on shipboard laser systems ($132 million)
The MoD asked for 19.1 billion yen ($132 million) to conduct research on a ship-based high-power laser system capable of dealing with the new threat of large numbers of small unmanned aircraft.
