Japan's Record Defense Spending in 2027

Japan's defense ministry plans to request a record 8.9 trillion yen (around $56 billion) for the 2027 fiscal year, potentially reaching around 10 trillion yen, according to Kyodo News sources. This marks the 14th consecutive year of increase, accelerating after the adoption of new security documents in late 2022. The budget includes numerous unspecified items, suggesting a final budget higher than the initial request. The increased spending is part of Japan's ongoing military buildup, which includes developing hypersonic missiles, unmanned submarines, and long-range attack drones.