Japan's Defense Ministry Seeks Record Budget Amid Regional Tensions

Japan's Defense Ministry is planning to request a record budget of 8.9 trillion yen ($56 billion) for fiscal year 2027, sources said Friday. The move aims to accelerate the country's defense buildup in response to growing regional security threats and 'new forms of warfare.'

The final budget will reflect the results of an ongoing review of Japan's three key national security documents, with a senior government official saying that defense spending could ultimately reach around 10 trillion yen.

The new budget request focuses on preparing the Self-Defense Forces for what officials describe as 'new forms of warfare' that use drones and artificial intelligence. This includes using AI to support command-and-control operations, funding for longer-range missiles with counterstrike capabilities, cloud infrastructure for classified data, and organizational reforms aimed at strengthening defense cooperation with foreign partners and Japan's domestic defense industry.

Japan aims to expand research on high-powered laser and microwave weapons to build a more cost-effective air defense network. The country has steadily increased defense spending since adopting a new national security strategy in 2022, citing growing military threats from China, North Korea, and Russia.