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30 Aug 23. Readout of the 6th Round of the U.S.-Brazil Strategic Defense Talks. On August 29-30, 2023, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Mr. Daniel Erikson, co-chaired the 6th Round of the U.S.-Brazil Strategic Defense Talks with the Deputy Chief of International Affairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces, Major General André Luiz Alves Ferreira. The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Brazilian Ministry of Defense in Brasilia, Brazil.
The U.S. delegation included Ms. Karen Riggs, Assistant Deputy Director for Western Hemisphere for Joint Staff J5 Strategy, Plans, and Policy Directorate; Mr. Thomas “Jeff” Hughes, the Deputy at U.S. Southern Command’s J5 Strategy, Plans, and Policy Directorate; Mr. Jeffrey Grover of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment; Colonel Christopher Cronin, Chief of the Joint Staff of the New York National Guard; Colonel Edward Cook, the Director of Operations at the New York National Guard’s J3 Domestic Operations; Colonel Chike H Williams, the Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia; and additional representatives from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, U.S. Southern Command, and the New York National Guard.
The U.S.-Brazil Strategic Defense Talks represent a core component of the bilateral defense relationship and provide a strategic framework to guide security cooperation. Established to incorporate the 13th round of the ministry-level Bilateral Working Group and the 39th round of the Joint Staff Talks, the 6th Round of U.S.-Brazil Strategic Defense Talks serve as a mechanism to discuss strategic-level defense issues and guide future cooperation activities in defense and security.
DASD Erikson and MG André Luiz Alves Ferreira discussed a range of global and regional defense topics, reviewed their national defense priorities, and exchanged views on topics of mutual interest, including their efforts to deepen cooperation on defense procurement, increase interoperability through joint training and educational opportunities, and address emergent transboundary challenges.
The leaders reaffirmed the importance of adhering to the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and respect for democratic values and human rights in all aspects of the bilateral defense relationship. The U.S. delegation expressed appreciation for Brazil’s contributions to international security, as well as its commitment to peacekeeping operations and humanitarian assistance. Finally, the leaders highlighted the strong bonds of friendship and trust between both countries, as well as the actions undertaken to deepen military and defense cooperation. (Source: U.S. DoD)
31 Aug 23. Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Marking Two Years Since the End of the Afghanistan War. As we mark two years since the conclusion of the U.S. war in Afghanistan, we salute the valor, patriotism, and selflessness of the American service members and civilians who fought and served there over the course of 20 years.
Throughout America’s longest war, our troops showed great courage and compassion. My thoughts today are with all of the brave Americans who answered the call to duty after al-Qaeda’s terrorists attacked America—including the Pentagon itself—on September 11, 2001. We bow our heads today in memory of the 2,461 U.S. service members who never made it home, including the 13 courageous troops taken from us in the attack at Abbey Gate in the final hours of the war. We also remember the hundreds of service members from allied and partner countries who lost their lives during this 20-year war. And we honor the more than 20,000 Americans who were injured waging war in Afghanistan, including many who still bear wounds that are not visible.
In the war’s final days, the United States, along with our allies and partners, safely evacuated more than 124,000 civilians from Afghanistan, in the midst of the pandemic and in the teeth of danger. In recognition of teams that operated and excelled under these difficult and dangerous conditions, I am proud to announce the approval of the Presidential Unit Citation for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, and Joint Task Force 82 of the 82nd Airborne Division and its supporting units.
We remain deeply committed to supporting the Afghan allies who fought by our sides and to helping those who are now building new lives outside their troubled homeland. We will continue to push to help resettle our Afghan allies, and I am proud that we have welcomed more than 115,000 Afghans who stood by our side to the United States over the past two years.
Today, our hearts and our prayers are with the brave Americans who volunteered to keep our country safe, with the Gold Star families whose loved ones fell in Afghanistan, with the military families who endured so much over those two decades, and with the veterans who still carry the memories and the scars of war. The war in Afghanistan is over, but our gratitude to the Americans who fought it is unending. (Source: U.S. DoD)
31 Aug 23. Joint Statement on Russia’s continued pursuit of weapons from the DPRK. The United Kingdom, the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea have issued a joint statement following Russia’s negotiation of potential deals with North Korea for significant quantities and multiple types of munitions, to be used against Ukraine.
Good morning everyone, and thank you very much for being here, I would like to make a statement in my national capacity on behalf of Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
At the top, I would like to note that we are tracking reports that the DPRK has conducted another launch this morning. And as we investigate further, we call on the DPRK to refrain from engaging in provocative behaviour and instead accept one of our numerous offers for dialogue.
We are here today to share new, deeply troubling information: Arms negotiations between Russia and the DPRK are actively advancing. As was highlighted during Friday’s Council meeting, Russian Minister of Defense Sergey Shoigu stood beside Kim Jong Un during the DPRK’s recent military parade – which showcased the DPRK’s Security Council-prohibited ballistic missile advancements. It is shameful that the Russian Federation – a permanent member of the Security Council – participated in a celebration of the DPRK’s continued pursuit of nuclear weapons delivery systems.
The United States is now able to share that Shoigu’s visit was more than just a photo op. Russia used this visit to the DPRK to try to convince Pyongyang to sell artillery ammunition to Russia. Since then, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un have exchanged letters pledging to increase their bilateral cooperation. Our information further indicates that, following Shoigu’s visit, another group of Russian officials traveled to the DPRK for follow-up discussions about potential arms deals between the DPRK and Russia.
Russia is negotiating potential deals for significant quantities and multiple types of munitions from the DPRK to be used against Ukraine. These potential deals could also include the provision of raw materials that would assist Russia’s defense industrial base. In its pursuit of these weapons, Russia will violate Security Council resolutions, including resolutions Russia itself voted for. Any such arms deal would be a serious violation of resolutions the Security Council adopted, unanimously, after the DPRK’s past nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches.
Those resolutions prohibited all Member States, including Russia, from procuring any arms from the DPRK. This sends the wrong message to aspiring proliferators: that if you sell Russia arms, Russia will defend – even enable – your pursuit of nuclear weapons. On numerous occasions, the DPRK has publicly said it will not sell arms to Russia. We urge the DPRK to cease its arms negotiations with Russia and abide by the public commitments Pyongyang has made.
This is not the first time Russia has moved to violate Security Council resolutions to pursue its illegal war against Ukraine. There is now incontrovertible evidence that Russia has procured drones from Iran in violation of another resolution it voted for, Security Council Resolution 2231. Russia has since used those drones in punishing attacks against critical infrastructure in Ukraine. And we are very disappointed the UN has not carried out its mandate to investigate and document Russia’s outrageous violations.
Russia’s pattern of behavior – flouting its responsibilities as a member of the Security Council, propping up proliferating regimes – is unacceptable. The United States is therefore taking direct action – by exposing and sanctioning individuals and entities working to facilitate arms deals between Russia and the DPRK. On August 16th, we designated additional entities tied to an already sanctioned evasion network attempting to support illicit DPRK-Russia arms deals.
We cannot – and we will not – stay silent as we receive more information that Russia continues to turn to rogue regimes to try to obtain weapons and equipment in order to support its brutal war of aggression. We will continue to work with allies and partners to identify, expose, and counter Russian attempts to acquire military equipment from the DPRK or any state that is prepared to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. And we will keep strengthening cooperation to address the DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.
This is a pressing matter of international peace and security, and it is one that demands the Council’s attention. Thank you. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
31 Aug 23. Gabon: Risk of sanctions likely dependent on transition duration following coup. On 30 August, Gabon’s new military junta announced that the transitional government would be led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, the leader of the presidential guard, following the ouster of President Ali Bongo Ondimba (see Sibylline Alert – 30 August 2023). The Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) has also confirmed that a curfew enforced by the former government over election unrest, would remain in effect between 1800-0600hrs (local time), but that restrictions on internet and international media companies have been lifted. The CTRI is yet to provide an outline for the transition period or make announcements on governance over the transition period. The transition outline will likely be instrumental in gauging international response. Unlike in Niger, calls for the restoration of Bongo to the presidency have been very limited, with most governments, including the US and France, simply calling for a return to civilian rule. As such, the risk of sanctions on Gabon and the junta will likely reduce if a limited transition period is proposed. (Source: Sibylline)
31 Aug 23. Mali: Airstrikes on Tuareg positions elevate tensions with government, undermining peace agreement. On 30 August, the Coordination des mouvements de l’Azawad (CMA), a Tuareg rebel coalition, accused the Malian forces of conducting airstrikes against its positions in Anéfis (Kidal region). The strikes come amid rising tensions between the Malian government and the CMA, which has repeatedly accused Malian forces of breaching the ceasefire that underpins the 2015 Algiers peace agreement. Concurrently, on 30 August, Russia vetoed several proposals at the UN, terminating all UN sanctions on violators of the 2015 Algiers agreement and the monitoring panel of experts. Compounded by the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers, decreasing international supervision and rising tensions substantially elevate the likelihood of a complete breakdown of the 2015 Algiers agreement, substantially elevating collateral risks to staff and assets in the Kidal and Tombouctou regions. Possible alliances between the CMA and jihadist groups will likely further elevate risks to staff in northern Mali, particularly humanitarians in rural areas. (Source: Sibylline)
31 Aug 23. Democratic Republic of the Congo: Ongoing conflict will likely increase threats of further anti-UN protests in Goma. On 30 August, violent protests against the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO killed six protesters and one police officer in Goma (North Kivu province). Perceptions of MONUSCO’s ineffectiveness have repeatedly driven unrest in North Kivu, and are currently spiking in connection to an escalation in activity by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group amid the broader failure of the March ceasefire agreement. M23 operations and further escalation in the conflict will likely act as flashpoints for additional protests against MONUSCO, particularly in Goma, but also throughout North Kivu. Protests will likely result in violent clashes with security forces, elevating incidental safety risks to bystanders. As experienced during protests in Butembo (North Kivu), there is a realistic possibility of protesters committing vandalism targeted at UN assets and staff residences, and looting MONUSCO warehouses. As such, protests will significantly elevate direct risks to UN personnel and NGO staff working with the UN. (Source: Sibylline)
31 Aug 23. Philippines-US: Proposed Taiwan-facing port will sustain regional tensions, policy risks with China. On 30 August, Philippine officials revealed the US military was involved in discussions to fund the construction of an ‘alternative port’ on Basco island (Batanes province, Philippines). The island is less than 125 miles (200 km) from Taiwan, underscoring its strategic location near the Taiwan Strait amid elevated tensions with China. The port would reportedly be used for cargo purposes, but possibly also for humanitarian and other military purposes as part of the US-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). An unnamed senior Philippine military official stated that the armed forces of the Philippines were also interested in improving their radar and monitoring capabilities in the area, highlighting a possible enhanced military presence on the island. The governor of Batanes said that a decision on the port could be made in October. An upgraded port on Basco Island with potential military uses would enhance US and Philippine deterrence vis-à-vis China over Taiwan and the South China Sea, driving regional tensions and policy risks involving Beijing in the long term. (Source: Sibylline)
31 Aug 23. India-China: Map row unlikely to trigger fresh tension escalation along disputed border. The Indian government lodged a strong protest with China after Beijing released a map showing disputed territories claimed by New Delhi as China’s. The new official ‘standard map’, published by the Ministry of Natural Resources on 28 August, marks the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh (which Beijing claims as South Tibet) and the disputed Aksai Chin plateau as China’s territory. The row comes following a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit in South Africa, where the two leaders agreed to intensify disengagement and de-escalation efforts along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC). China publishes an updated edition of its national map annually, and it typically incorporates all of its territorial claims. Therefore, the move does not necessarily suggest Beijing’s renewed attempts to assert its claims. The map dispute, which will almost certainly be handled through diplomatic channels, is unlikely to trigger fresh tension escalation at the border.(Source: Sibylline)
31 Aug 23. Iraq: Rocket attack near gas field underscores security instability, realistic possibility of Iranian involvement. On 30 August, two Katyusha rockets targeted the Khor Mor gas field in Sulaymaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR), causing no casualties. Khor Mor is a key supplier of electricity to Erbil and thus attacks on the field are likely aimed at pressuring the Kurdistan Regional Government. The rockets were launched from Tuz Khurmatu district, an area largely controlled by the Badr Organization, part of the Popular Mobilization Forces, which have close ties with Iran. In recent weeks, Iran has repeated its accusations of Kurdish separatist groups carrying out destabilising activities in its border areas with Iraq and has pressured Baghdad to disarm and evacuate these groups by 19 September (see Sibylline Global Weekly Review – 30 August 2023). In September 2022, Iran launched military operations in IKR against Iranian-Kurdish opposition, using drones and ballistic missiles. The volatile security environment will likely continue in the coming weeks, sustaining elevated security risks in northern Iraq for staff and assets, particularly close to military and energy infrastructure locations. (Source: Sibylline)
31 Aug 23. Royal Saudi Naval Forces assumes command of Gulf-based IMSC task force. Saudi Arabia has assumed command of Coalition Task Force (CTF) ‘Sentinel’, the operational task force that supports the Gulf-based International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC).
This is the first time that a regional navy – namely, the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) – has taken command of CTF ‘Sentinel’, a task force that plays a key role in regional security.
“This change of command ushered in the turnover of CTF ‘Sentinel’s’ leadership to regional partners,” the US Naval Forces Central Command’s public affairs office said, in a statement published on 27 August.
IMSC was established originally in 2019, to provide maritime patrol activity to reassure commercial shipping and deter threats to such shipping following a spate of attacks on merchant vessels sailing through and anchored around the Straits of Hormuz. IMSC’s area of operations stretches from the Gulf, down through the Straits of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, across the Gulf of Aden, and back up through the Bab al-Mandab Strait into the southern part of the Red Sea.
The current list of IMSC members numbers 11 countries: Albania, Bahrain, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Saudi Arabia, the Seychelles, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Originally, the US Navy (USN) took command, before handing over to the UK Royal Navy (RN) in January 2020. The RN has since maintained command of both IMSC headquarters and CTF ‘Sentinel’, until the RSNF took command of ‘Sentinel’ on 27 August.
Underlining the multinational collaboration that underpins IMSC outputs, the RN retains command of IMSC at a headquarters level.
In a handover ceremony at IMSC headquarters in Manama, Bahrain, Commodore Peter Laughton – the RN officer commanding IMSC – said “It is entirely right that the task force transitions to regional leadership …. CTF ‘Sentinel’ exemplifies the collective power of IMSC’s multinational partnerships.”
On taking operational command, the RSNF’s Commodore Saleh Aloufi said “I look forward to working with our multinational team to ensure that the free flow of commerce is protected throughout the region.” (Source: Armada)
31 Aug 23. Vision 2030 to propel Saudi Arabia’s defense budget at 4.5% CAGR by 2028, says GlobalData. Saudi Arabia has one of the highest defense expenditures relative to its gross domestic product (GDP), driven by a combination of regional security challenges, economic diversification goals, and the desire to assert itself as a major player on the global stage. The country introduced Vision 2030 in 2016, with an aim to develop a self-sustaining domestic defense industry, foster technological innovations, and build strategic partnerships that could collectively enhance its defense capabilities. As a result, Saudi Arabia’s defense expenditure is set to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% over 2024–28, reaching $86.4bn in 2028, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest report “Saudi Arabia Defense Market Size and Trends, Budget Allocation, Regulations, Key Acquisitions, Competitive Landscape and Forecast, 2023-28,” reveals that Saudi Arabia’s defense budget recorded a 5.7% increase to $69.1bn in 2023. The increase in the defense budget is attributed to the continued investment in strategic procurement programs, including military fixed-wing aircraft, missiles and missile defense systems, and naval vessels.
Rouble, Aerospace & Defense Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Saudi Arabia is located in a volatile region marked by territorial conflicts and terrorism, which necessitates a robust defense expenditure to safeguard its sovereignty and protect vital assets such as oil infrastructure. By aligning defense modernization with strategic interests, the country aims to fortify its position as a key player in the Middle East’s security landscape. Its defense expenditure as a percentage of GDP averaged 7.9% over 2019–23.”
Saudi Arabia’s determination to enhance its defense capabilities is evident from the series of procurement programs for military platforms undertaken in recent years. The procurement of advanced platforms such as the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile system, and the modernization of the F-15SA fleet underscore the country’s commitment to enhance air superiority and missile defense capabilities.
Rouble adds: “Saudi Arabia is heavily modernizing its aerial capabilities with a specific emphasis on strike platforms. The country plans to integrate a number of advanced sensors and radars into its in-service F–15 fighters and Eurofighter Typhoons over the coming years. The integration of these advanced capabilities into its multi-role fighter aircraft would significantly enhance the country’s air defense and military prowess. With modern avionics, radar systems, and versatile weaponry, the fighter jets would bolster Saudi Arabia’s ability to respond to a range of threats and undertake various missions, from air superiority to ground attack.”
Additionally, the Saudi Arabian Navy is expected to induct an array of advanced equipment to enable it to transition from a Brown Water Navy to a Green Water Navy. The country is modernizing its eastern naval fleet under the Saudi Naval Expansion Program II (SNEP II) program, which aims to procure a fleet of corvettes, littoral combat ships, and offshore patrol vessels to guard its vital shipping routes and maritime resources.
Rouble concludes: “Vision 2030 will act as a power push to boost Saudi Arabia’s domestic defense manufacturing base as the country plans to localize more than half of its defense equipment needs and develop its own defense industrial complex. To achieve self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing, the country has been promoting its domestic companies to engage in joint ventures, strategic partnerships, and collaborations with international manufacturers, which will in turn assist in acquiring foreign technology and propel local production.” (Source: GlobalData)
31 Aug 23. Japan makes record defence spending request amid tension with China. Japan’s defence ministry made a record spending request on Thursday of 7.7trn yen ($52.67bn), for fiscal 2024, the latest step of a plan to boost defence spending by 43trn yen over five years.
The request is for the second year of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s plan to double defence spending to 2% of gross domestic product by 2027 as it faces up to an increasingly assertive China and unpredictable North Korea.
The request comes as Japan’s relations with China have deteriorated sharply with Japan last week beginning to dump treated radioactive water from its wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea. China has condemned the release and banned Japanese seafood imports.
The fiscal 2024 request, submitted to the Ministry of Finance, adds almost a trillion yen to the previous year’s budget of 6.8trn yen. If approved, the budget will have increased spending by about a trillion yen from the previous year for an unprecedented two consecutive years.
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The defence ministry plans to set aside more than 900bn yen to secure ammunition and weapons, including new ship-to-air missiles, according to the budget request.
Some 600bn yen will be used to strengthen logistics capabilities to deploy weapons and resources towards southwest island chains in the event of an emergency.
The budget includes funding for three new landing ships, for a total of 17bn yen, 17 transport helicopters, for more than 300bn yen, and a new specialised transport team to improve deployment capabilities, the defence ministry said in its request.
Japan will also put 75bn yen towards jointly developing interceptor missile to counter hypersonic warheads with the United States, and 64 tbn yen to creating next-generation fighter jets with Britain and Italy.
The record defence spending by the staunch U.S. ally comes after decades of pacifist policies. The United States in 1947 imposed a constitution on Japan that renounces war.
But concerns over China’s maritime ambitions and military assertiveness, especially over Taiwan, and a belligerent and increasingly well armed North Korea have shifted thinking, as has Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Japanese aggression before and during World War Two is still a cause of tension in relations with some countries in Asia and Japan has given assurances its growing military strength will not be used to threaten others. Japan has said it will still prioritise diplomatic efforts and dialogue to avert misunderstandings. (Source: Reuters)
29 Aug 23. Fortifying Nigeria’s security: defence and procurement strategies unveiled. An examination of Nigeria’s defence readiness and market dynamics reveals a complex interplay between economic growth and security threats.
To tackle escalating security threats, Nigeria’s armed forces are amping up preparedness while navigating a complex web of procurement policies and market intricacies.
GlobalData’s comprehensive analysis, encompassing defence forces and procurement strategies, unveils a nation determined to safeguard its interests and enhance capabilities across its navy, air force, and army sectors.
Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, grappling with mounting security challenges that demand robust responses. With a burgeoning defence budget of $2.8bn in 2023 and a staggering CAGR of 9.6%, Nigeria’s armed forces are adopting a multi-faceted approach to address terrorism, illegal activities, and geopolitical partnerships.
GlobalData’s “Nigeria’s Defense Market 2023-2028” report outlines the West African country’s collective defence strategies across its military branches.
Cracking down on terrorism and illicit activities
The threat of terrorism looms large, with groups like Boko Haram, ISWA, and Ansaru posing persistent challenges. The recent spate of attacks underscores the urgency to bolster security. Nigeria’s military expenditure reflects its commitment to combat these threats, making counterterrorism initiatives a cornerstone of its defence policy.
From arms smuggling to oil theft, the African nation faces a dual battle on illegal activities that fuel insecurity and economic losses. As a response, Nigeria has engaged in international partnerships and stringent measures to curb arms smuggling and mitigate oil theft. These efforts illustrate the nation’s resolve to stem the tide of these illicit activities.
Global peacekeeping and navigating budgetary avenues
Nigeria’s defence forces extend their influence far beyond national borders. By actively participating in UN peacekeeping missions, Nigeria demonstrates its commitment to fostering international stability. Strategic collaborations with countries like Iran, Brazil, and the US further bolster their global standing, underscoring its role in shaping geopolitical dynamics.
Nigeria’s defence strategies have a global footprint. Active participation in the African Union strengthens regional security cooperation, while bilateral relationships with countries like Turkey and the US reflect the geopolitical manoeuvring of Nigeria. By engaging in military cooperation and trade forums, the country positions itself as an influential player.
Allocating resources to defence is a strategic priority. With a defence budget of 0.5% of GDP in 2023 and projections of reaching 0.6% by 2028 (CAGR of 4.4%), Nigeria aligns its financial commitments with its evolving security needs. This reflects a per capita expenditure growth from $9.5 in 2019 to an estimated $14.9 by 2028.
An all-encompassing defence doctrine
Nigeria’s security doctrine encapsulates diverse elements, from diplomacy to military capabilities. This holistic approach safeguards territorial integrity and national interests and contributes to global peacekeeping efforts. Nigeria’s engagement in UN missions underscores its commitment to international security and its strategic stance on the world stage.
As Nigeria confronts various security challenges, its armed forces are embracing comprehensive approaches to fortify its defences. Against the backdrop of dynamic market dynamics, stringent procurement policies, and evolving security paradigms, Nigeria’s navy, air force, and army are collectively poised to safeguard national interests.
Nigeria lays the groundwork for a secure and stable future through robust investments, strategic alliances, and concerted efforts.
(Source: naval-technology.com)
29 Aug 23. RoK Seeks 4.5 Pct Rise in Defense Budget for 2024. South Korea’s defense ministry on Tuesday requested a 4.5 percent on-year increase in its budget for next year, with a focus on reinforcing capabilities to counter North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
The defense ministry is seeking a budget of 59.59trn won (US$45bn) for next year, compared with this year’s 57trn won. The government plans to submit the proposal to the National Assembly on Friday for approval.
Of the total, the ministry seeks to spend 17.8trn won for weapons acquisitions and other projects to bolster defense capabilities — a 5.2 percent rise from the previous year — while earmarking 41.79trn won for running military forces, up 4.2 percent on-year.
The proposed budget includes 7.16trn won to bolster the country’s “three-axis” system that consists of the Kill Chain preemptive strike platform; the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation program; and the Korea Air and Missile Defense system (KAMD).
It features a plan to spend 3.3trn won on 24 Kill Chain projects, which includes efforts to acquire KSS-III Batch-II submarines and more F-35A stealth fighter jets.
The ministry also seeks a budget of 1.57trn won for 11 KAMD projects, such as performance upgrades to its Patriot missile defense system, as well as 1.54trn won in support assets for the three-pronged system, including the country’s project to acquire military reconnaissance satellites.
The overall proposal also includes a scheme to raise monthly wages for enlisted troops. Under the scheme, the monthly pay for a sergeant, which currently stands at 1 m won, is set to increase to 1.25m won next year.
“In order to prepare our military against security uncertainties and asymmetric threats, such as North Korean nuclear and missile (weapons) … (we) will actively consult with the National Assembly and other relevant agencies,” the ministry said in a release.
(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Yonhap News Agency)
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