- Japan’s defense ministry is requesting a record $55.6 billion for fiscal 2027
- The proposal includes Northrop Grumman’s AGM-88G AARGM-ER
- Japan is prioritizing stand-off weapons, unmanned systems and artificial intelligence-enabled command and control capabilities
Japan’s defense ministry is proposing another record-high defense budget as Tokyo expands investments in stand-off weapons, unmanned systems, artificial intelligence and other capabilities intended to bolster the country’s national security, Breaking Defense reported Monday.
What Capabilities Is Japan Seeking Under the Record Defense Budget?
The ministry is requesting $55.6 billion for fiscal year 2027, which begins in April.
The budget request identifies several major platforms for potential procurement, including additional Lockheed Martin F-35 fifth-generation fighters, Boeing KC-46 aerial refueling tankers, Kawasaki C-2 transport and P-1 maritime patrol aircraft, and upgraded Mogami-class frigates.
Notable among the new requests is Northrop Grumman’s AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range, or AARGM-ER, representing Japan’s first publicly stated effort to obtain a dedicated anti-radar missile. The ministry is also seeking new low-cost cruise missiles, a submarine-launched guided missile program and development of a missile launch module for unmanned underwater vehicles. Japan also plans to develop its existing ASM-3 supersonic air-launched anti-ship missile into a long-range air-to-air weapon.
Unmanned systems and artificial intelligence are also prominent in the request. Japan is seeking $1.8 billion to acquire 17 additional General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGuardian medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. In addition, the ministry plans to develop an AI-enabled command-and-control system that can rapidly integrate and analyze data to support target selection and situational awareness.
How Does Japan’s Budget Align With Its Broader Missile Defense Efforts?
The proposed investments also align with Japan’s broader efforts to strengthen its missile defense capabilities and deepen cooperation with the United States. In March, Japan announced plans to participate in the U.S.-led Golden Dome missile defense initiative, which is intended to counter increasingly advanced missile threats, including potential hypersonic weapons.
The country is also receiving U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles, with plans to acquire up to 400 by 2027.
