Japan requests record $55.6 billion defense budget for FY2027

Japan’s Ministry of Defense has requested a record $55.6 billion defense budget for fiscal year 2027, beginning in April. The proposal focuses on bolstering national security through investments in stand-off weapons, unmanned systems, and artificial intelligence-enabled command and control capabilities.

A key component of the request is the acquisition of the U.S.-made Northrop Grumman AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER). This marks Japan’s first publicly stated effort to obtain a dedicated anti-radar missile. According to Gen. Takehiro Morita, Chief of Staff of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the missile is intended to degrade the air-defense capabilities of adversary warships, facilitating more effective anti-ship strikes.

Other major procurement targets include Lockheed Martin F-35 fighters, Boeing KC-46 aerial refueling tankers, and Kawasaki C-2 transport aircraft. The budget also seeks $1.8 billion for 17 General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aircraft. Additionally, Japan plans to develop its ASM-3 supersonic anti-ship missile into a long-range air-to-air weapon to engage high-value airborne targets such as AWACS and refueling tankers.