(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I would like to make one point regarding the establishment of new research institutes. Today, the Defense Innovation Science and Technology Institute and the Future Capabilities Development Center were established under the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA). Here, at the Defense Innovation Science and Technology Institute, we will also utilize external human resources to implement initiatives that will contribute to defense innovation. These initiatives will range from exploring science and technology with various possibilities, tackling the challenge of achieving breakthroughs that defy conventional ideas, to the rapid utilization of science and technology. Furthermore, at the Future Capabilities Development Center, we will conduct research and development into next-generation equipment, including electronic equipment such as radars and sensors, as well as AI, cyber, space, and directed energy systems. I expect that these institutes will lead to strengthening our defense production and technology bases, as well as fulfill an important role in the fundamental reinforcement of Japan’s defense capabilities.