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The FY 2005- 2009 Mid- Term Defense Program was based on the National Defense Program Guideline for FY 2005 and after, which was approved by the Security Council and the Cabinet on December 10, 2004. Under the program, the number of escort divisions was to be brought to eight and the number of submarine divisions to five. The capabilities of Aegis destroyers were to be improved to enable them to respond to ballistic missile attacks. Joint Japanese – U.S. research in this area was to be supported. There was to be less emphasis on the provi- sion of capabilities to counter full scale invasion threats, although destroyers, submarines and minesweepers would continue to be acquired. There would be efforts to curb the life cycle cost of equipment and a general procure- ment reform was to be promoted. Cooperation with the Coast Guard was to be strengthened.The total amount of defense expenditure for the period was estimated at $290.8B at FY 2005 price levels. In case of need, an extra $1.2B might be provided. Naval vessels to be procured under the program included a total of five destroyers, four submarines and 11 other ships with an aggregate weight of 59,000 tons. The defense budget request for FY 2010 is $56.1B, compared to $56.4B in 2009. New Submarine Construction Projects • 2,900-ton SS (16SS Soryu) The lead unit of a new 2,900 ton submarine class was first budgeted in the FY 2004 program. Units are being authorized at a rate of one per year since, with the excep- tion of FY 2009. www.seadiscovery.com Marine Technology Reporter 49 Navy Report Japan Invests in Subs The JMSDF new construction plan includes a significant investment in new submarine capability, Jurrien Noot reports. The Oyashio class units were alternately constructed between the Kawasaki Kobe Shipyard and the Mitsubishi Kobe Shipyard at an overall rate of one per year. (Sour ce: MOD Japan)
