# defence spending
Latest news and articles about defence spending
Total: 6 articles found
Tokyo’s “Existential Crisis” Rhetoric on Taiwan Raises Stakes — and Questions About Motives
Hardline Japanese rhetoric framing Taiwan as an “existential” security concern has reignited debate over Tokyo’s military role and constitutional limits. The language reflects both electoral tactics and substantive policy shifts — higher defence spending, island missile deployments and moves to enshrine the Self-Defense Forces — that raise regional tensions and the risk of miscalculation with China.
Starmer Eyes Closer EU Defence Ties as Britain Reconsiders SAFE Fund
Britain is considering joining a second round of the EU’s SAFE defence financing programme, reopening a debate over post‑Brexit security cooperation. The move would deepen practical ties with European partners but will hinge on agreement over costs, legal terms and governance.
A Costly Gamble: Japan’s Takaichi Retreats After US Demand for Bigger Defence Bill
Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, quietly scaled back hawkish rhetoric after a visit from a senior US defence official who urged Tokyo to boost defence spending toward 5% of GDP. The encounter exposed the strain between Washington’s demand for greater burden‑sharing and Japan’s domestic politics, while Beijing’s export controls and military pressure limit Tokyo’s room for manoeuvre.
Germany Says Active Force at 12-Year High as Arctic Pullback Exposes Gaps
Germany says its active military has grown to about 184,200 troops, the largest figure in 12 years, supported by rising defence budgets and a legal shift allowing extra borrowing for defence. Yet a swift withdrawal of a small Greenland deployment underscores that manpower and money still need to be translated into reliable, deployable capability.
Germany’s Armed Forces Reach 12-Year High as Recruitment Surges
Germany’s Bundeswehr has grown to 184,200 active-duty personnel, the highest in 12 years, marking the largest intake since the suspension of conscription. The increase reflects post‑2022 defence policy shifts but leaves open questions about training, equipment and long-term sustainability.
After a US Strike, the Hemisphere’s Military Complacency Is on Display
A recent US strike has exposed the Western Hemisphere’s uneven defensive posture, revealing how decades of underinvestment and a shift toward internal security have left many states vulnerable to precision long‑range attacks. The incident highlights the need for layered deterrence—technical, organisational and diplomatic—to prevent escalation and reduce strategic dependence.