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Japan Seeks Record ¥8.9 Trillion to Fund Drones, AI and Long‑Range Strike

The request signals a shift toward unmanned systems, AI command-and-control, and submarine-capable hypersonic work, leaving many key costs unpriced.

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The first ASEV taking shape at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Nagasaki Shipyard, seen here in August 2026. Picture by @Metalogic_3DCG
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FILE - Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during a news conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Oct. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool, File)

Overview

  • The Defence Ministry formally submitted an ¥8.9 trillion FY2027 budget request on Aug. 31 that lists about 100 items without prices and is expected to grow during interagency review.
  • The request confirms procurement of 17 General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones for maritime ISR and says the MQ-9Bs will not be armed.
  • The plan seeks a next-generation AI command-and-control platform called an “AI orchestrator” plus a classified Defence Ministry cloud to speed targeting and share sensitive data securely.
  • Tokyo flagged development and acquisition of extended-range weapons, including submarine-launched hypersonic concepts, interest in AARGM-ER anti-radar missiles, and other stand-off munitions with many procurement costs left open.
  • The budget proposes stronger government support for domestic production through a state-owned, contractor-operated model and R&D aid, and the final total could rise further as three national security documents are revised by year-end.