Japan MoD seeks $55.5B for naval buildup
Japan's defense ministry seeks a record 8.9 trillion yen for 2027, focusing on new naval frigates, submarines, and unmanned systems.
Japan's Ministry of Defense (MoD) requested a record 8.9 trillion yen ($55.5 billion) for fiscal year 2027 on August 31. The final budget is expected to be substantially larger, as around 160 entries have been submitted as unpriced "item requests" ahead of the government's planned revision of Japan's three key security documents by the end of this year. It is widely expected to exceed 10 trillion yen for the first time, marking a 15th consecutive annual increase and a 13th consecutive record high.
The request emphasizes artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned assets to adapt to what the ministry calls "new ways of warfare." It includes major programs for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
New Frigate and Submarine Construction
The MoD included the construction of New FFM frigates as an unpriced "item request." The number of ships and funding will be determined later. Six of the twelve planned frigates have already been funded in prior budgets. These new ships have a standard displacement of 4,800 tonnes and offer improved capabilities over the existing Mogami class. Funding for Taigei-class submarine construction was also submitted as an item request. The Taigei class displaces 3,000 tonnes and uses lithium-ion batteries for improved underwater endurance.
Aegis Ships and Missile Acquisitions
The MoD requested 68.9 billion yen ($431 million), plus an item request, for expenses related to two Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEVs). The first ASEV is scheduled to enter service by the end of fiscal 2027, with the second following by the end of fiscal 2028. The budget includes several high-value acquisitions for stand-off and surveillance capabilities.
| Item | Quantity | Cost (Yen) | Cost (USD) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs | 17 | 292.2 billion | $1.83 billion | Strengthen ISRT capabilities; part of Pacific sea-lane defense. |
| Ship-launched improved Type 12 SSM | Not specified | 56.2 billion | $351 million | Stand-off strike capability for ships. |
| Submarine-launched guided missiles | Not specified | 16.3 billion | $102 million | Attack ships and land targets from stand-off ranges. |
The MoD said the MQ-9B acquisition responds to increased Chinese carrier operations and bomber flights in the Pacific. The ship-launched Type 12 missile is scheduled to begin operation on the destroyer JS Teruzuki in FY2027.
Modernizing Carriers and Future Projects
The JMSDF requested 3 billion yen ($18.7 million), plus an item request, to continue modifying its two Izumo-class helicopter carriers to operate F-35B fighters. Modifications to JS Izumo are scheduled for completion in fiscal 2027, with JS Kaga following in 2028. A further 1.1 billion yen ($6.9 million) was requested to add Tomahawk launch capabilities to three more Aegis destroyers.
Among new programs, the MoD submitted an item request for the development of an underwater-launched hypersonic guided missile. Another item request covers research into a stand-off missile launch module for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The MoD stated greater use of unmanned assets is intended to reduce personnel losses while providing a cost advantage.
