Japan has unveiled a historic draft defense budget for the coming fiscal year, marking a significant acceleration in its military modernization plans. The proposed spending underscores a major shift away from the nation's long-held pacifist stance.
Record-Breaking Defense Allocation
The Japanese government has drafted a defense budget of 9.04 trillion yen (approximately $58 billion) for fiscal year 2026. This figure sets a new record, surpassing the previous high of 8.7 trillion yen set in the initial budget for fiscal 2025.
This massive allocation is a key part of a broader, multi-year defense buildup plan. The government aims to spend a total of 43 trillion yen on defense between fiscal years 2023 and 2027. The latest budget draft keeps Japan firmly on track to meet this ambitious five-year target.
Funding for Key Security Projects
A significant portion of the new budget is designated for specific, high-tech defense systems. Notably, 100.1 billion yen is earmarked for the development of the "Shield" layered coastal defense system. This complex project will integrate various aerial, surface, and underwater vehicles to protect Japan's coastline.
Furthermore, the budget sets aside 1.1 billion yen to study the use of long-endurance drones. The assessment will focus on how these drones can be deployed to monitor and prevent violations of Japanese airspace, enhancing the country's aerial surveillance capabilities.
A Historic Shift in Defense Posture
Perhaps the most consequential aspect of this budget is its role in achieving a landmark policy goal ahead of schedule. In December, Japan enacted an 18.3 trillion yen supplementary budget for the current fiscal year, which included 1.7 trillion yen for security and diplomacy.
This move allows Japan to reach its target of spending two percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defense-related expenses within fiscal 2025. This achievement comes a full two years earlier than the original 2027 deadline.
For decades after World War II, Japan maintained a strict self-imposed limit, capping its annual defense budget at around one percent of GDP, or roughly five trillion yen. This policy was a direct reflection of the country's postwar pacifist constitution, which renounces war.
However, in 2022, the government set a new goal to gradually increase defense spending to two percent of GDP by fiscal 2027. This decision was made despite facing widespread public and political opposition, signaling a profound transformation in Japan's approach to national security and its role in the region.
