Key Facts
• August 29, 2025: Japan’s Ministry of Defense announces 2026 budget request.
• Record budget: ¥8.8454 trillion, up ¥150 billion from the current fiscal year.
• Focus: Strengthening defense with long-range missiles and attack drones.
• ¥1.287 trillion allocated for 10 types of drones, thousands to be procured.
• Coastal defense system “Shield” to utilize drones for air, sea, and underwater.
• ¥5.173 trillion for missile defense, including Aegis-equipped ships.
• ¥2.066 trillion for joint fighter jet development with the UK and Italy.
• Air Self-Defense Force renamed “Aerospace Self-Defense Force” with new space operations unit.
• Okinawa’s 15th Brigade upgraded to a division, personnel increased by 1.7x to 3,900.
• ¥400 billion allocated for defense equipment export support, same as current year.
Summary
Japan’s Ministry of Defense has proposed a record ¥8.8454 trillion budget for 2026, reflecting a ¥150 billion increase from the current fiscal year. The budget prioritizes enhancing defense capabilities, including acquiring long-range missiles and thousands of attack drones for ¥1.287 trillion. A new coastal defense system, “Shield,” will integrate drones for air, sea, and underwater operations. Additional allocations include ¥5.173 trillion for missile defense, ¥2.066 trillion for joint fighter jet development with the UK and Italy, and ¥400 billion to support defense equipment exports. The Air Self-Defense Force will be renamed the “Aerospace Self-Defense Force,” with a new space operations unit established. In Okinawa, the 15th Brigade will be upgraded to a division, increasing personnel by 1.7 times to 3,900. These measures align with Japan’s five-year defense plan, which totals ¥43 trillion.
