Japan's Defense Ministry Invests in AI and Automation to Address Recruitment Shortfall
Facing a worsening recruitment shortfall, Japan's Defense Ministry is investing in artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and improved troop conditions. This strategy aims to address the understaffing of its forces amidst a military buildup intended to counter China's growing military power.
The ministry's latest defense budget request, unveiled on Friday, comes after the Self Defense Forces (SDF) experienced its worst annual recruitment drive ever. In the year to March 31, it enrolled just under 10,000 personnel, half of its target.
With concerns that China could use military force to take control of neighboring Taiwan and potentially drag Japan into a war, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced a doubling of defense spending in 2022. This increase aims to bolster missile and munitions stockpiles, acquire advanced fighter jets, and establish a cyber defense force.
However, Japan's declining birth rate presents a significant challenge in maintaining the SDF's current troop level of 250,000. To address this issue, the ministry plans to introduce AI technology, allocating 18 billion yen next year for an AI surveillance system for military base security.
Additionally, the ministry will purchase more unmanned 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 free up more troops for frontline assignments, the SDF will outsource some training and support operations to former SDF members and civilian contractors.
Furthermore, the ministry plans to offer financial incentives and better living conditions to attract more recruits, including sleeping quarters with more privacy and improved access to social media. This initiative aims to tap into Japan's shrinking pool of fighting-age people, who are also being pursued by companies offering higher salaries.
The ministry is particularly focused on attracting more women, who currently make up less than 10% of the SDF. Past efforts to increase female representation have been hampered by high-profile sexual harassment cases. To address this issue, the military will invest 16.4 billion yen to build accommodation for female personnel with improved toilets and showers. It will also hire outside councilors to support women and strengthen harassment training.