Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Reuters
Reuters
Business
By Kaori Kaneko and Tim Kelly

Japan's manpower-light defence strategy is a flawed 'paper plan', officers say

FILE PHOTO: Participants look around Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force's vessel at a recruiting event in Yokosuka, Japan December 10, 2022. REUTERS/Androniki Christodoulou

Japan's plan to undertake its biggest military build-up since World War Two without increasing headcount is flawed, former and serving officers told Reuters, casting doubt over the country's efforts to deter regional rivals China and North Korea.

The five-year plan unveiled on Friday will double Japan's defence spending and add new capabilities, including long-range missiles and an expanded cyber warfare unit.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.