Japan to beef up its defense with drones, AI and missiles, defense budget plans show

Japan has disclosed an 8.9 trillion yen ($55.6 billion) defense budget request that includes plans to deploy drones, artificial intelligence and missiles, according to details released by the Defense Ministry. Japan aims to "drastically strengthen its deterrence and response capability" by adapting to new forms of warfare, the ministry said. The new methods of warfare include the use of drones, which Japan cited as a development seen in Ukraine's deployment of drones.

The total figure of 8.9 trillion yen is equivalent to approximately $55.6 billion. The Defense Ministry's budget request covers drones, artificial intelligence and new methods of warfare, according to the disclosed details. Japan's stated goal is to strengthen its deterrence and response capability in response to changing warfare. The ministry referenced Ukraine's deployment of drones as an example of the new warfare to which Japan is adapting. The article did not specify particular drone models, AI systems, or missile types.

It does not provide additional details about specific weapons systems, timelines, or how the AI and drone capabilities would be implemented. The AP article did not say whether the request had been approved, and gave no information about next steps. The report noted that Japan's plans include adapting to new warfare as demonstrated in Ukraine's deployment of drones.