In response to growing political tension in South East Asia, both Japan and South Korea have passed increased defense budgets for 2017.  Japan’s $44.6 billion budget includes costs for upgrading its PAC-3 Patriot missile system, equipping its ships with Aegis radar systems, and continuing development of the SM-3 Block IIA anti-ballistic missile.  South Korea’s budget increase added 4% to defense spending and dedicated an additional $146.2 million of that increase to improving its Kill Chain preemptive strike capabilities and its indigenous Korean Air and Missile Defense program.

Related Links:

Japan’s Defense Budget to Hit Record High Nikkei Asian Review
South Korea’s 2017 Defense Budget Increases 4% Korea Times US