Japan’s Ministry of Defense has requested a record 8.9 trillion yen ($55.6 billion) for its Fiscal Year 2027 defence budget, according to budgetary documents released Monday and reported by USNI News. The request prioritises artificial intelligence, unmanned systems and long-range strike weapons.
Responding to a Harsher Security Environment
The ministry says Japan faces its most severe security environment since World War II. Officials cite rising Chinese and Russian activity in the Pacific. Chinese carriers operated near Japan’s Pacific side five times in 2025, up from twice in 2022. Joint China-Russia bomber flights have also increased.
The final budget figure, set later by Japan’s government, typically exceeds the initial request. Last year’s $55 billion ask became $56.4 billion once approved.
Nine Priorities Across Three Pillars
The MOD structured its request around three pillars: adapting to new warfare, sustainable response capabilities, and strengthening the defence industrial base. Priority areas include AI, unmanned systems, standoff weapons, and integrated air and missile defence.
Tokyo aims to become a global leader in unmanned military technology, aiming to cut costs and reduce casualties. Planned acquisitions include surface ship-launched attack drones, an unspecified number of Shield AI V-BATs, and 17 additional MQ-9B surveillance drones for the Maritime Self-Defense Force, bringing that fleet to 23 aircraft by FY2027.
Strike and Missile Programmes
The budget funds ongoing acquisitions of the Joint Strike Missile, JASSM and the Improved Type 12 missile, alongside unpriced development of a hypersonic underwater-launched missile. A new Close Range Air Defense System will target drone swarms using missiles, autocannons and lasers.
Ship, submarine and aircraft procurement — including Mogami-class frigates, Taigei-class submarines and F-35s — remains largely unpriced pending further strategy revisions.
Source: USNI News
