Japan Defense Budget Military Spending 2026
Japan’s 2026 defense budget of 9 trillion yen representing the fourth consecutive year of the five-year military spending expansion reaching 2% of GDP, driven by China deterrence strategy and modernization of Type-12 missiles, unmanned drone systems, and joint international fighter development programs.
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Japan’s Record Defense Budget: Strategic Pivot from Pacifism to Offensive Deterrence Against Rising Chinese Military Threat
Japan’s Cabinet approved a record 9 trillion yen ($58 billion) defense budget for fiscal 2026, marking a 9.4% increase and the fourth consecutive year of a five-year military spending expansion. This budget funds Type-12 long-range missiles, AI-integrated drone systems, and next-generation fighter development, signaling Japan’s strategic pivot from pacifism to offensive deterrence against China’s rapid…