The Ministry of National Defense has submitted next year's defense budget of 66.2947 trillion won to the National Assembly, it reported on the 3rd. This figure represents an 8.2% increase from this year's budget of 61.5878 trillion won. The defense budget growth rate has exceeded 8% for the first time since 2019 (8.2%).
The Ministry of National Defense stated that investment is needed for technology enhancement, including strengthening the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) for the transfer of wartime operational control and utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The defense improvement budget, which is aimed at enhancing military capability through weapon system purchases, new developments, and performance upgrades, has been set at 20.1744 trillion won, a 13% increase from this year. Among the defense improvement budget, the budget for strengthening the Korea's three-axis system is the largest at 8.9049 trillion won. The budget for the three-axis system has increased by 22.3%.
The three-axis system is a multi-layered composite defense strategy system being established to counter the nuclear and missile threats from North Korea, consisting of the Kill Chain, the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD), and Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR).
Among the three-axis system, the Kill Chain concept, which focuses on preemptive strikes, has been allocated the largest budget. A total of 5.3065 trillion won is planned to be invested in the mass production of the KF-21. The missile defense power project has been allocated 1.8134 trillion won, and the project to introduce airborne control for surveillance and reconnaissance has been budgeted at 1.0458 trillion won.
Additionally, 340.2 billion won has been allocated for AI-based manned and unmanned systems to respond to changes in future battlefield environments. The budget for research and development in the defense sector is set at 5.9130 trillion won, a 19.2% increase from this year. A total of 349.4 billion won will be invested to secure advanced aviation engines and stealth technology.
The budget for power operation necessary for military operations has been organized at 46.1203 trillion won, an increase of 6.3% compared to the previous year. This includes personnel expenses such as total soldier salaries and budgets to improve welfare. The duty allowance, which was 20,000 won on weekdays and 40,000 won on holidays, will rise to 30,000 won on weekdays and 60,000 won on holidays, while the basic meal cost per person has been increased from 13,000 won to 14,000 won per day.
The Ministry of National Defense has newly reflected regional reserve forces training expenses, and training expenses paid to reservists undergoing mobilization training for three days will be raised to 95,000 won.