Japan prepares hypersonic missiles as defense strategy expands

Wednesday 19 August 2026 - 14:00

By: Azzat Manal

Japan prepares hypersonic missiles as defense strategy expands

Japan is preparing to expand its military capabilities with the development of hypersonic missiles launched from submarines and long-range unmanned aircraft, according to reports on the country’s proposed defense budget for fiscal year 2027.

The initiative reflects a significant shift in Japan’s defense planning as Tokyo seeks to strengthen its ability to respond to increasingly complex security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. The planned projects are reportedly included in a draft budget prepared by the Ministry of Defense.

Japan is also considering the acquisition of unmanned aircraft designed for interception and attack missions. At the same time, the defense ministry plans to develop an artificial intelligence-based decision-support system intended to improve coordination and enable more integrated battlefield command.

The proposed modernization comes alongside a substantial increase in defense spending. Japan’s Ministry of Defense has requested a record budget of approximately 8.9 trillion yen, equivalent to about $56 billion, for fiscal year 2027. Overall defense-related spending could exceed 10.6 trillion yen, or roughly $67 billion, representing around 1.5% of the country’s gross domestic product.

The expansion is part of a broader transformation of Japan’s security policy. The country’s 2022 National Security Strategy called for stronger counterstrike capabilities and a major increase in defense spending, including a target of reaching 2% of GDP by 2027.

Tokyo has increasingly focused on long-range capabilities, missile defense, unmanned systems and advanced technologies as regional security concerns have intensified. Developments in neighboring countries’ missile and military capabilities have encouraged Japan to reconsider the limitations that historically shaped its defense posture.

Hypersonic weapons are particularly significant because of their high speed and maneuverability, which can make them difficult for conventional missile-defense systems to detect and intercept. Developing such systems would give Japan another potential layer of deterrence, although the technology also presents major technical and financial challenges.

The planned use of artificial intelligence in military decision-making represents another important element of the modernization program. AI-based systems could help military commanders process large volumes of information more rapidly and coordinate operations across different platforms.

The expansion of unmanned capabilities is also expected to become increasingly important. Drones can provide surveillance, reconnaissance and potentially combat functions while reducing risks to personnel and allowing forces to operate over greater distances.

Japan’s evolving defense policy is closely linked to its broader security environment and its alliance with the United States. Tokyo continues to strengthen cooperation with Washington while also expanding defense partnerships with other countries in the Indo-Pacific.

The proposed measures indicate that Japan is moving toward a more technologically advanced and longer-range defense posture. If implemented, the program would mark another step in the country’s gradual transformation of its military capabilities and its approach to deterrence.