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Japan’s record defense request
Japan’s Ministry of Defense requested a record 8.89 trillion yen ($56 billion) for the next fiscal year, after the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) requested a record 344.8 billion yen for fiscal 2027.
“a record-breaking budget request of 8.89 trillion yen ($56 billion)”
Global Times said the budget request focuses on “new ways of warfare” by employing AI and drones, ensuring “sustained operational capabilities” in a “prolonged conflict,” and strengthening Japan’s defense industrial base.
SOFX reported the proposal places particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI), unmanned systems and long-range weapons as Japan adapts to what the ministry calls “new ways of warfare,” and said the request was slightly above the ¥8.8 trillion requested for the current fiscal year.
SOFX also said Japan is requesting ¥292.2 billion ($1.83 billion) to acquire 17 General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGuardian medium-altitude, long-endurance drones for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Breaking Defense said Japan’s defense ministry is set to continue its trend of record-high defense budgets year-on-year, requesting 8.89 trillion yen ($55.6 billion) in its latest budget proposal.
AI, drones, and missile priorities
SOFX said Japan’s budget includes plans to develop a next-generation platform called the “AI orchestrator,” which would integrate and operate multiple AI systems while allowing them to be selected and operated autonomously.
Breaking Defense reported Japan’s request includes Northrop Grumman’s AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER), marking the first time Japan has said it’s keen on acquiring a dedicated anti-radar missile.
Kurdistan24 said the latest budget request focuses on what the ministry described as “new ways of warfare,” with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence, unmanned systems and standoff weapons capable of striking targets from long distances.
Kurdistan24 also said Japan’s Defense Ministry plans to introduce an AI-powered decision-support system designed to accelerate the analysis of information and improve military decision-making.
Global Times added that Japan also plans to expand the use of unmanned systems to reduce personnel losses, while advancing stand-off weapons, including domestically developed missiles and hypersonic guided missiles that can be launched from underwater platforms.
Regional concerns and next steps
Global Times said a Chinese military affairs expert, Song Zhongping, argued Japan’s sharply increased military spending shows it is seeking to build a system capable of sustaining prolonged military operations at lower personnel and equipment costs.
“Japan's defense budget had hit a record high for 14 consecutive years”
Global Times also quoted Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian saying in June that Japan’s defense budget had hit a record high for 14 consecutive years, and said defense spending per capita has reached three times that of China.
SOFX said the proposed budget will be reviewed by Japan’s Ministry of Finance before the government finalizes the fiscal 2027 budget later this year.
Breaking Defense said the budget only flags the acquisition of platforms without revealing numbers or costs for each item, because Japan has not yet released three key national security documents expected later this year.
Kurdistan24 said the budget request covers the fiscal year beginning in April 2027 and described it as another major step in Japan’s efforts to expand its defense capabilities amid a worsening security environment in East Asia.