South Korea military spending spikes, has North Korea worried

[soryang]

Al Jazeera Sep 11

South's defence spending rises by highest in 10 years and North looks to expand own arsenal as diplomatic moves stall.

...South Korean President Moon Jae-in's administration has committed billions of additional dollars to the country's defence budget, which is already among the largest in the world.

In 2018, South Korea's military expenditures reached $43.1bn, an increase of seven percent compared with 2017, according to the MND. It was the biggest single-year jump since an increase of 8.7 percent in 2009.

In July the MND announced South Korea would build a light aircraft carrier, the country's first. And in August it unveiled a plan to spend about $239bn more between 2020 and 2024.

About $85bn of the future budget is earmarked for arms improvements, representing an average 10.3 percent year-on-year increase.

"Given the recent uncertain security environment, the government is investing heavily in strengthening its defence capabilities," the MND said when the plan was announced...

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/south-korea-military-spending-spikes-north-korea-worried-190911011352754.html

Brief summary of South Korean military spending and plans primarily in relation to North Korea. Worth reading the whole thing.