Japan's military spends on AI to address soldier shortage

The Japanese Defense Ministry announced the investment measures on August 30 in its latest defense budget request, which comes after the annual recruitment of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF).

This year's SDF recruitment drive is considered the worst ever. From the beginning of the year to March 31, the SDF recruited less than 10,000 sailors, soldiers and air force personnel, only half of the target.

“As we strengthen our defense power, we need to build an organization capable of fighting in new ways,” Japan’s Defense Ministry said in its annual budget request, which calls for a 6.9 percent spending increase to a record 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion).

Japanese soldiers participate in a sea landing exercise on Tokunoshima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Photo: Reuters

To cope with the shortage of new recruits, Japan's Defense Ministry said it will adopt artificial intelligence technology, allocating 18 billion yen next year for an AI surveillance system for military base security.

Japan will also buy more drones and order three highly automated air defense warships for 314 billion yen. These warships require only 90 sailors, less than half the crew of current ships.

To deploy more troops for frontline missions, the SDF will also outsource some training and support to former SDF members and civilian contractors.

To attract a shrinking pool of fighting-age people, Japan plans to offer financial incentives and better living conditions, such as more private bedrooms and better access to social media.

In particular, they are focused on attracting more female soldiers, who make up less than 10 percent of the SDF. Efforts to increase the number of female personnel have been hampered by a series of high-profile sexual harassment cases.

To address the situation, the Japanese military wants 16.4 billion yen to build housing for female personnel, with improved toilets and showers. It also said it would hire outside advisers to support women and increase anti-harassment training.

In 2022, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced a doubling of defense spending to stockpile missiles and other munitions, buy advanced fighter jets and establish a cybersecurity force.

However, Japan's falling birthrate has left the country struggling more than ever to maintain its current SDF strength of 250,000.

Hoai Phuong (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/khong-tuyen-duoc-du-quan-nhat-ban-se-dau-tu-vao-ai-de-giai-quyet-tinh-trang-thieu-hut-post310018.html