North Korea Warns Japan’s Record Defense Budget Could Bring “Turmoil”

North Korea Warns Japan’s Record Defense Budget Could Bring “Turmoil”

North Korea has condemned Japan’s plan to increase defense spending to a record-high level, warning that Tokyo’s military buildup could create further instability across the region.

North Korea’s state media accused Japan of using regional security threats as a justification to expand the capabilities of its Self-Defense Forces and gradually transform them into what Pyongyang described as “preemptive attack forces.”

Japan’s Defense Ministry is seeking approximately ¥8.9 trillion ($56 billion) for fiscal 2027, with the final allocation potentially reaching around ¥10 trillion after the budget approval process.

The proposed spending includes investment in long-range missiles, hypersonic weapons, attack drones and AI-enabled military systems, as well as additional U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Pyongyang warned that the expansion of Japan’s military capabilities could lead to “new turmoil” in the region and accused Tokyo of preparing for a potential “war of aggression.”

The warning comes as tensions remain elevated across Northeast Asia, while the United States is simultaneously seeking to reopen a diplomatic channel with North Korea and potentially arrange another meeting between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un.

Japan’s defense buildup is part of a broader shift in its security policy following growing concerns over North Korea, China and Russia, marking a significant expansion of military capabilities compared with Japan’s postwar defense posture.