South Korea seeks to raise its defense budget above 60 trillion won ($45 billion won) for the first time in 2025, according to a new proposal, allocating increased funds to procure weapons like F-35A stealth fighters and Patriot missile upgrades to deter North Korea.

The proposed defense budget of 61.6 trillion won ($46 billion) marks a 3.5% increase over 2024, seeking to keep up with increased military spending both in the region and around the world.

A defense ministry official, speaking anonymouslyto local media, noted that the decision reflects how “China, Japan, and Europe are also rapidly increasing their