Japan to triple defense R&D to bolster counterstrike capability

Draft budget earmarks $6.7bn with eye on domestic standoff missiles

20221223N Type 12 anti-ship cruise missile

Japan seeks to upgrade the range of the Type 12 anti-ship cruise missile from less than 200 kilometers to over 1,000 km. (Photo courtesy of the Ground Self-Defense Force)

RYO NEMOTO, Nikkei staff writer

December 24, 2022 02:17 JST

TOKYO -- Japan will allocate 896.8 billion yen ($6.7 billion) for defense-related research and development in fiscal 2023, triple the amount spent this fiscal year, as it seeks to develop homegrown standoff missiles, according to the draft budget approved Friday.