“미국 납득할 수준으로”…일 정부, 내년 방위비 사상 첫 10조엔 넘기나

Japan's government projects its defense budget for next year will exceed 10 trillion yen for the first time, according to reports by major Japanese media. The budget, set for the 2027 fiscal year (April to March), aims to allocate 8.9088 trillion yen, an increase of 800 billion yen compared to last year. This surge in funding is driven by the need for autonomous defense systems, particularly in the context of ongoing wars in Ukraine and the potential for a conflict between the United States and Iran.

Japan plans to adopt the "Mayhem Smart System," developed by American data analytics company Palantir Technologies, to enhance its integrated air defense command system. In addition to purchasing drones, Japan aims to develop its own unmanned systems to counter the threat of "drone swarms." The government also plans to nationalize defense manufacturing facilities like munitions factories to ensure their stability, and provide additional support to struggling defense firms through stock purchases.

With the government's budget already growing to a record high in 2026, the new allocation is expected to be a significant increase, potentially even surpassing the United States' 3.5% of GDP recommendation for defense spending.