Source: Stars and Stripes [US state media]
“Japan’s Defense Ministry on Monday asked for a record-high 8.9 trillion yen for the coming fiscal year, about $55.6 billion, with the cost of about 100 items left blank. The proposed spending plan — the 15th consecutive increase in as many years — seeks an outlay for ‘new ways of fighting,’ including artificial intelligence, unmanned vehicles and further spending on standoff missiles. The request focuses on three main pillars of Japan’s deterrence and response capabilities for the coming fiscal year, which begins in April. Along with AI, unmanned systems and missiles, the budget aims to build sustained response capabilities for prolonged conflicts and a stronger base for defense equipment acquisition and support.” (08/31/26)
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-08-31/japan-defense-budget-request-22687506.html