Overview
- Set at ¥9.04 trillion, the draft lifts defense outlays 9.4% for fiscal 2026 and marks the fourth year of a five-year push toward roughly 2% of GDP.
- About ¥970 billion is allocated for standoff strike, including a ¥177 billion purchase of upgraded Type-12 missiles, with the first batch sped to Kumamoto by March.
- Roughly ¥100 billion funds the SHIELD coastal defense network of unmanned air, surface and underwater systems, slated for initial operation by March 2028 with early reliance on imports.
- More than ¥160 billion supports joint next-generation fighter development with Britain and Italy, alongside procurement for hypersonic capabilities and new space-focused monitoring measures.
- China denounced the plan as remilitarization after recent carrier drills and reported radar lock-ons near southwestern Japan, as Tokyo also moves to set up a dedicated office to study Chinese operations.