Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Across Asia, nations are significantly ramping up their defense budgets and accelerating military research and development in response to what they see as an increasingly unstable and threatening security landscape. This surge in military focus is driven by a complex web of concerns, including China's growing assertiveness, North Korea's continued provocations, the ongoing war in Ukraine reshaping global defense thinking, and numerous unresolved territorial disputes.
Japan is making a historic shift, aiming to double its defense spending to 2% of its GDP by 2027. This marks a significant departure from its post-World War II pacifist stance. Tokyo is not only increasing its budget but also acquiring long-range strike capabilities, like Tomahawk cruise missiles from the U.S., and investing heavily in developing its own advanced weaponry, including next-generation fighter jets.
Similarly, South Korea has approved a record defense budget, focusing on its "three-axis" system designed to counter threats from North Korea. Beyond bolstering its own defenses, Seoul is also emerging as a major global arms exporter, selling tanks, howitzers, and fighter jets to countries like Poland and others in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Australia, too, is undertaking a major defense overhaul. Under the AUKUS security pact with the U.S. and UK, it plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines and is investing in long-range strike capabilities and domestic missile manufacturing. This is seen as a direct response to the changing strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific.
Taiwan, facing constant pressure from China which claims the island as its own, is increasing its defense budget and extending its compulsory military service. Taipei is focusing on "asymmetric warfare" capabilities – using smaller, agile, and more numerous weapons systems to deter a larger invading force.
Countries in Southeast Asia, such as the Philippines and Vietnam, are also modernizing their militaries, driven largely by concerns over Beijing's expansive claims and activities in the South China Sea. They are seeking to upgrade naval and air capabilities to better patrol their waters and assert their sovereignty.
This trend highlights a broader shift towards greater self-reliance in defense and a recognition that the security outlook in Asia has darkened considerably. Nations are no longer just purchasing off-the-shelf equipment but are also investing in their domestic defense industries and advanced research to develop next-generation military technologies. The implications are significant, potentially leading to a more militarized region and an intensified arms race as countries react to each other's build-ups.
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