Under operating assumptions in place during the Cold War era, Japan's military, which is constitutionally-bound to being a "self-defence force", was largely static, with the majority of resources in the north and east to guard against a Russian invasion, long thought to be the greatest risk the country faced.
But the shifting security dynamics, in particular the rise of China as a militaty force to be reckoned with, means Japan's soldiers, sailors and airmen need to be located further south and to able to deploy to the country's many far-flung islands.
Abe's cabinet is also set to approve Tokyo's first National Security Stratrgy on Tuesday, which was agreed in the ruling party meeting on Wednesday, the LDP official said.
The document is the foundation on which Japan's defence policy will be built, guiding the organisation and deployment of troops, as well as the equipment at their disposal.
It also stipulates North Korea's nuclear and missile development is a threat to Japan.