Japan Plans $55.6 Billion Defense Budget Focused on Drones, AI, Missiles
· World · The Independent, Fortune
Japan has proposed an 8.9 trillion yen ($55.6 billion) defense budget for the coming fiscal year, focusing on drones, AI, and missiles to counter China's growing assertiveness. The budget is a slight increase from this year's 8.8 trillion yen ($55 billion) and aligns with Japan's five-year defense strategy to double spending to 2% of GDP. The Defense Ministry aims to strengthen counterstrike capabilities using drones, long-range cruise missiles, and hypersonic missiles launched from submarines. Japan also plans to integrate AI into its defense command systems for faster and more accurate decision-making. The move comes as Japan's aging population reduces military personnel availability and Chinese commercial dominance in drones poses challenges.
Why it matters
Japan's defense upgrades aim to counter China's regional assertiveness, impacting stability in the Indo-Pacific and potentially altering military dynamics in the region.
Read the original report — The Independent
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