Japan’s Defense Budget Request Hits Record ¥8.89 Trillion, Including Submarine-Launched Missiles

Japan’s proposed defense budget for fiscal 2027 would reach a record 8.89 trillion yen, with new funding aimed at expanding long-range strike capabilities across more types of platforms.

The request includes 16.3 billion yen to buy long-range guided missiles that can be launched from submarines. It also sets aside money to study whether unmanned underwater vehicles could launch long-range missiles, adding an underwater element to Japan’s planned strike network.

Japan is seeking to purchase Northrop Grumman’s AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile, Extended Range, for the first time. The weapon is designed to destroy air-defense radars and other electronic signal sources. The proposal also includes a new low-cost cruise missile and plans to develop a domestic version based on mature overseas systems.

Unmanned systems and artificial intelligence form another major part of the request. The Maritime Self-Defense Force plans to spend 292.2 billion yen on 17 MQ-9B SeaGuardian long-endurance drones, while 7.6 billion yen would fund interceptor drones for base defense.

The Defense Ministry also wants to introduce AI across future command-and-control systems to combine air and maritime intelligence more quickly, assist target identification and track battlefield conditions in real time. The request still faces review by Japan’s Finance Ministry, which could alter the final amount and individual projects.