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

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. 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. The latest request focuses on counter......

Restricted content

Law & Politics

Tehran, Aug 31, 2026 (AFP) - Iran FM accuses Israel's Netanyahu of tricking US into war

2026-08-31 12:00:31

Dubai, Aug 31, 2026 (AFP) - UAE says Iran drone attack 'dangerous escalation'

2026-08-31 12:00:31

2026-08-31 11:30:22

Jakarta, Aug 31, 2026 (AFP) - Indonesia probes citizens alleged to have fought for Russia in Ukraine

2026-08-31 11:30:22

Dubai, Aug 31, 2026 (AFP) - UAE says Iran drone attack 'dangerous escalation'

2026-08-31 11:30:22

2026-08-31 11:01:36

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

2026-08-31 11:01:36

Zacatecas, Mexico, Aug 31, 2026 (AFP) - Car bomb in front of Mexico police station wounds seven

2026-08-31 11:01:36

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Aug 31, 2026 (AFP) - China's Xi and Iran's Pezeshkian in Kyrgyzstan, Putin expected

2026-08-31 11:01:36

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

2026-08-31 11:01:36

Tehran, Aug 31, 2026 (AFP) - Iran FM accuses 'serpent' Netanyahu of tricking US into war

2026-08-31 11:01:36

Latest NAMPA photos

WINDHOEK, 28 JULY 2023 - Namibia mourns the loss of liberation veteran Helao Joseph Shityuwete, who passed away peacefully at 92 in Windhoek, just days after his birthday. (Photo: Contributed) NAMPA.

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 29 August 2026 - South African cricketers Dewald Brevis (left) and teammate Rubin Hermann (right) duirng the T20 Tri-Series campaign at the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground in Olympia, Windhoek. South Africa won the match by 7-wickets. (Photo: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 29 August 2026 - South African cricketers Dewald Brevis (left) and teammate Rubin Hermann duirng the T20 Tri-Series campaign at the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground in Olympia, Windhoek. South Africa won the match by 7-wickets. (Photo: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 29 August 2026 - Zimbabwean and South African cricketers duirng the T20 Tri-Series campaign at the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground in Olympia, Windhoek. South Africa won the match by 7-wickets. (Photo: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 28 August 2026 - Zimbabwean bowler in yellow while in action against South Africa during the T20 Tri-Series campaign at the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground in Olympia, Windhoek. South Africa won the match by 7-wickets. (Photo: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 28 July 2025 - Lamech Mwanyangapo, a prominent Namibian broadcaster and health advocate, died at 61 on 29 August after battling multiple myeloma. (Photo: Contributed) NAMPA.

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 28 August 2026 - Zimbabwe's senior men’s national cricket team celebrating the wicket against South Africa during the T20 Tri-Series campaign at the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground in Olympia, Windhoek. South Africa won the match by 7-wickets. (Photo: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 29 August 2026 - Swapo party secretary general Sophia Shaningwa and party president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah pictured at the 11th Central Committee meeting in Windhoek on Saturday. (Photo: Contributed) NAMPA.

NAMPA