Japan's Ministry of Defense plans to begin the development of submarine-launched hypersonic missiles and long-range strike drones in 2027.

​Operativ Media reports that this was disclosed by the Kyodo news agency. According to information obtained by the agency, relevant provisions have already been included in the draft military budget for 2027. The financial document for the upcoming year emphasizes bolstering "counterstrike capabilities." In addition to developing hard-to-intercept submarine-based hypersonic missiles, the Tokyo administration intends to acquire technologies to equip unmanned underwater vehicles with long-range missile launching capabilities.

​Plans also call for the procurement of interceptor drones and ship-based strike UAVs for air defense. Developing an artificial intelligence-based decision-support system for the Joint Operations Command is also on the agenda.

​Earlier reports noted that Japan's Ministry of Defense would request a record budget of 8.9 trillion yen ($56.3 billion at current exchange rates) for the 2027 fiscal year. Factoring in related expenditures, the country's total defense spending is expected to exceed 10.6 trillion yen ($67.08 billion), accounting for roughly 1.5 percent of GDP.

​On December 16, 2022, the Japanese government approved a new national security strategy. The document recognizes Japan's right to conduct counterstrikes against targets on a potential adversary's territory, while explicitly noting that preemptive strikes are not permitted. Modeled on NATO standards, the strategy initially aimed to raise military spending to 2 percent of GDP by 2027, though Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to reach this target ahead of schedule. To secure counterstrike capabilities, the government plans to extend the range of existing Type-12 missiles, develop domestic hypersonic weapons, and procure U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles. Immediately after taking office, Takaichi ordered a review of key documents, including the national security strategy, citing the tense security environment in the region and globally.