A $7.2 Billion Backlog: The Hidden Cost of Japan US Military Equipment Delay

Japan's paid the bill, but the weapons aren't arriving. A recent investigation reveals that 118 orders for US military hardware, worth a staggering 1.14 trillion yen ($7.21 billion), have been delayed for at least five years after contracts were signed. According to Nikkei, this bottleneck is forcing the Self-Defense Forces to rely on aging gear while costs continue to spiral.

How the Japan US Military Equipment Delay Weakens Defense

The operational impact is already visible on the front lines. Deliveries for E-2D early warning aircraft are so behind schedule that the Air Self-Defense Force is cannibalizing equipment intended for older planes. It's a classic case of paying more for less; as deliveries stall, inflation and production shifts push the final price tag higher for Tokyo. Japan's ambitious plan to double defense spending is hitting a wall of industrial reality.

The Manpower vs. Machinery Crisis

While billions flow toward overseas contractors, manpower remains an afterthought. Only 10% of the increased budget is earmarked for personnel. This creates a dangerous paradox: even if the delayed equipment eventually arrives, there may not be enough trained personnel to operate it effectively. Analysts worry that Japan is over-extending its wallet without securing its supply chain.