The Defense Ministry is seeking a 7.2 percent increase in its budget for next year to beef up its capabilities to counter North Korea’s growing threats and improve the military service environment.

The ministry said Wednesday it requested the Finance Ministry to set aside 40.14 trillion won ($36.2 billion) for 2016.

Nearly 70 percent of the proposed budget, or 27.76 trillion won, is allocated to raise the salary for enlistees, newly provide them with child support and enhance the living environment at barracks. The figure marks a 5 percent annual hike.

Under the plan, 200,000 won will be given every month to active-duty soldiers and full-time reservists with children, while the monthly pay for corporals will rise to 178,800 won from the current

154,800 won in line with the ministry’s pledge to double the draftees’ salaries by 2017.

The incentives for some frontline troops, such as those stationed at guard posts in the Demilitarized Zone and general outposts in its vicinity, are expected to surge to 45,000 won from 16,500 now.

As part of efforts to boost its defense readiness against North Korea, the ministry earmarked 12.38 billion won, up 12.4 percent from this year.

The funds are to be spent to establish the Kill Chain and the Korea Air and Missile Defense preemptive strike system, which are scheduled to be completed by the early 2020s, develop and upgrade key military equipment and expand investment in defense research.

“2016 is the year in which major projects aimed at countering North Korean threats will kick into high gear, such as for the Kill Chain, KAMD and other essential assets,” the ministry said in a statement.

By Shin Hyon-hee (heeshin@heraldcorp.com)