Overview
- The Defense Ministry submitted a budget request on Monday for a record ¥8.9 trillion for fiscal 2027 that prioritizes artificial intelligence, unmanned systems and standoff weapons.
- Dozens of programs were listed without prices pending revisions to three national security documents later this year, making a higher final total widely expected.
- The request flags specific buys and research including 17 more MQ-9B SeaGuardian maritime drones, interest in AARGM-ER anti-radar missiles, funding lines for submarine-launched hypersonic options and new low-cost cruise missiles.
- Planned digital investments include an ‘AI orchestrator’ for faster command-and-control, a classified Defence Ministry cloud for sensitive data, and new close-range defenses to counter drone swarms.
- To bolster shrinking supplier capacity, the ministry seeks funding for a state-owned, contractor-operated production model and R&D support, a move that could reshape Japan’s defense industry and raise regional political tensions.