Translation guide
The expansion or strengthening of a country's military forces, often through increased weapons, troops, or defense spending. In Japanese, this is expressed with specific compound nouns and set phrases.
To refer to the overall increase in military power, including weapons, personnel, and budget.
The standard term for 'arms buildup' or 'military expansion'. Used in news, politics, and formal contexts.
That country is proceeding with an arms buildup.
Abbreviation of 軍備拡張. Common in headlines and informal political commentary.
The arms race is intensifying.
Literally 'strengthening of military power'. A more descriptive phrase, often used in analytical writing.
The government is planning a buildup of military power.
Specifically referring to the increase in nuclear weapons or capabilities.
Describing a competitive buildup between nations.
The full term for 'arms race'. Often shortened to 軍拡競争.
During the Cold War, an arms buildup race continued.
軍備拡張 is the standard, concise term for 'arms buildup' and is widely used in media. 軍事力の増強 is more descriptive and can imply a broader strengthening beyond just weapons, including training and organization. Both are formal, but 軍備拡張 is more common in headlines.
Arms buildup provokes neighboring countries.
A buildup of military power requires a large budget.
That country continues its nuclear buildup.