Bandung, IndonesiaSentinel.com — Japan’s Ministry of Defense has announced plans to invest in artificial intelligence (AI) to address a growing military recruitment crisis in Japan that has hampered the country’s efforts to expand its armed forces. The nation’s Self-Defense Forces (SDF) have struggled to recruit new members, with annual recruitment falling short of the target by half.
In the past year, the SDF managed to recruit fewer than 10,000 new members, which is below the goal of 20,000 across the navy, army, and air force. Japan’s declining birth rate is a significant factor in the military crisis, making it increasingly difficult to maintain the armed forces at the desired strength of around 250,000 personnel.
This recruitment shortfall comes at a critical time for Japan, which is seeking to strengthen its military capabilities in response to China’s growing military force, particularly regarding the war with Taiwan. As a response, in 2022, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced a plan to double Japan’s defense budget, allocating funds for ammunition, missiles, fighter jets, and cyber defense.
“As we enhance our defense capabilities, we must also develop an organization capable of fighting in new ways,” stated a document released by the Japanese Defense Ministry, as reported by Reuters on Friday (August 30, 2024).
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The document outlines a proposed 6.9% increase in the defense budget to 8.5 trillion yen (IDR 912 trillion). One of the budget allocations will then be dedicated to AI and automation to mitigate the recruitment shortfall. Among the planned expenditures, ¥18 billion (IDR 1.9 trillion) is used for AI-based monitoring systems at military bases, designed to compensate for personnel shortages in security roles.
Additionally, Japan has also planned ¥314 billion (IDR 33.5 trillion) for the purchase of unmanned drones and three “automated” warships, which require crews of just 90 personnel, less than half the crew needed for current warships.
In an effort to optimize the deployment of its forces, the SDF has begun shifting training and support duties to former soldiers and civilian contractors, allowing the majority of its troops to be sent to the front lines.
While investing in AI and automation, the Japanese military is also trying to attract more recruits by offering higher salaries and more accommodation. However, the military crisis remains a challenge for Japan in its efforts to maintain its defense strength amidst regional security dynamics.
(Raidi/Agung)
