Japan seeks record defense budget with new AI and drone capabilities

Japan’s Defense Ministry has filed a record 8.9 trillion yen defense budget request for the fiscal year starting in April, with the final total potentially exceeding 10 trillion yen as revisions proceed. It centers on AI-driven decision-making, the deployment of low-cost drones, and the integration of standoff missiles to counter evolving warfare and deter rivals. It also calls for underwater-launched hypersonic missiles and a new unit to bolster defenses against cognitive warfare and disinformation campaigns. Officials say the push signals a shift from a strictly self-defensive posture to a more capable deterrent force in response to China, North Korea, Russia, and Ukraine's conflict influencing strategy. The package reflects efforts to replace aging personnel and bolster air and sea warfare capabilities, including ammunition stockpiles, with domestic development and mass production of unmanned systems accelerated. Final costs and line items will be refined as revisions proceed.