Japan has unveiled a new $875 million multi-layered littoral defense initiative that uses drones to counter amphibious invasions.
The Synchronized, Hybrid, Integrated and Enhanced Littoral Defense program, part of a nearly $60 billion fiscal 2026 defense budget request that the government released on Aug. 29, will knit together unmanned aerial, surface, land and undersea vehicles into a single coastal defense network.
According to the Ministry of Defense, SHIELD is expected to become operational by March 2028.
The budget request also seeks procurement of four MQ-9 Sea Guardian drones, six coastal surveillance UAVs and five long-range maritime UAVs to track surface ships and obstacles to amphibious operations.
Collective Deterrence Against Indo-Pacific Challenges
The country is stepping up efforts to strengthen its strike capability in response to rising challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Japan has warned about China’s rapid acceleration of naval activity in the regional seas and raised concerns about the rising tensions caused by North Korea and Russia.
During his March visit to Japan, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stressed the need for rapid military capability strengthening, calling Japan an “indispensable partner” against Chinese military aggression.
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Beyond SHIELD, Japan earmarked $8.4 billion for standoff weapons, primarily from foreign manufacturers, including Joint Strike Missiles for F-35A fighters, Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles for upgraded F-15 fighters and Tomahawk cruise missiles for two Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers.
The ministry is also seeking funding for two additional Aegis System Equipped Vessel destroyers, after Lockheed delivered the first ASEV shipset to Japan in July.
Fighter procurement remains a priority, with eight F-35A and three F-35B stealth jets included in the request, alongside two KC-46 tankers.
The budget proposal is subject to cabinet and parliamentary approval in early 2026.