As of 2024, Japan has significantly increased its defense budget and capabilities. The Japanese Cabinet approved a defense budget of 7.95 trillion yen ($55.9 billion) for fiscal year 2024, which is a 16.5% increase from the previous year. This increase is in response to what Tokyo describes as “the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II,” primarily due to rising military threats from China, North Korea, and Russia oai_citation:1,Japan Approves 16.5% Increase in Defense Spending for FY2024 – The Diplomat.
The Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) are focusing on various key areas, including the development of stand-off defense capabilities, integrated air and missile defense systems, unmanned asset defense capabilities, and enhancing command and control functions. Significant investments are being made in developing and acquiring new weaponry, such as domestically produced missiles, guided munitions, and the acquisition of Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) and Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM). The JSDF also plans to deploy Tomahawk cruise missiles and acquire additional F-35 fighter jets oai_citation:2,Japanese Cabinet Approves Largest Ever Defense Budget – USNI News.
In addition, Japan is enhancing its missile defense capabilities and preparing for contingencies near its remote islands. This includes building Aegis-equipped destroyers, developing new types of frigates with long-range missiles and anti-submarine capabilities, and establishing a new joint command for improved coordination and rapid response capabilities oai_citation:3,Japan’s FY 2024 defense budget expands to record 7.9 trillion yen.
Overall, Japan’s recent defense initiatives indicate a significant shift in its military posture, reflecting a response to evolving regional security challenges.
As of my last update in April 2023, both Japan and Germany have standing military forces, but they differ significantly in their historical background and current roles.
Japan maintains the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), which includes the Ground Self-Defense Force, the Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the Air Self-Defense Force. The JSDF was established after World War II, under the 1947 constitution, which renounced the right to wage war and prohibited Japan from maintaining a military. However, the JSDF was formed in response to the need for a force to defend the country, especially during the Cold War. The JSDF is one of the most technologically advanced and well-equipped forces in the world, but its role is strictly limited to defense.
Germany, on the other hand, has the Bundeswehr, its federal defense force, which includes the Army (Heer), Navy (Marine), Air Force (Luftwaffe), Joint Support Service, and Medical Service. After World War II, Germany was initially restricted from having a military. However, with the onset of the Cold War and Germany’s integration into NATO in 1955, West Germany established the Bundeswehr. The Bundeswehr has participated in various peacekeeping missions and has a significant role in international security.
Both countries have constraints on their military forces due to their experiences in World War II. They focus primarily on defense and international peacekeeping, and their militaries are tightly controlled by civilian authorities.