Japan to Beef up Its Defense with Drones, AI and Missiles, Defense Budget Plans Show
The request emphasizes drones, AI and long-range missiles as Japan seeks cheaper, lower-risk counterstrike options and steadier domestic weapons production.
- On Monday, August 31, 2026, Japan's Ministry of Defense requested a record 8.9 trillion yen for fiscal year 2027, beginning in April.
- This request marks the final year of a five-year, 43 trillion yen defense plan emphasizing artificial intelligence and unmanned assets to counter China's growing assertiveness.
- The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force seeks 292.2 billion yen for 17 MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones and 1.1 billion yen to equip three more Aegis destroyers with Tomahawk cruise missiles.
- Ahead of planned security document revisions by year-end, the government submitted about 100 unpriced 'item requests,' with officials expecting the final budget to exceed 10 trillion yen.
- To ensure sustainable defense equipment production, the ministry plans to acquire factories and outsource manufacturing to private firms, addressing decades of supply-chain risks from supplier withdrawals.
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20 Articles
Malay Mail
AlKhaleej TodayJapan seeks record US$55.6b defence budget, with AI focus
TOKYO, Aug 31 — Japan’s defence ministry requested a record budget of ¥8.9 trillion (RM220 billion) todayas Tokyo looks to artificial intelligence to speed up decision-making...
TOKIO (AP) — Japan plans to use drones, artificial intelligence and new methods of warfare as it adapts its defense strategies to changing times, according to the details of a budget request of 8.9 trillion yen (55.6 billion dollars)...
Associated Press News
Japan to beef up its defense with drones, AI and missiles, defense budget plans show
Japan’s Defense Ministry has disclosed details of an 8.9 trillion yen ($55.6 billion) budget request for the next fiscal year that officials say will increase significantly after the government adopts new security and defense plans later in the year.
Japan is accelerating the strengthening of its army in the face of an increasingly tense regional environment. ...
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