Tokyo, Aug 31, 2026 (AFP) - Japan seeks record $55.6 bln defence budget, with AI focus: ministry

NAMPA / AFP

2026-08-31

Japan's defence ministry requested a record budget of 8.9 trillion yen ($55.6 billion) on Monday as Tokyo looks to artificial intelligence to speed up decision-making in the face of a tense security environment. But the final budget reportedly could reach 10 trillion yen as Tokyo undergoes a sweeping upgrade of its defence in order to navigate growing tension with neighbours such as China, North Korea and Russia. nf-hih/fox ...

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