Japan plans to introduce about 50,000 unmanned equipment sets.

According to a report by Reference News Network on September 19, Kyodo News reported on September 16 that the Japanese government plans to revise three security-related documents by the end of the year, among which the draft content of the "Defense Capability Development Plan" has been exposed. The government plans to introduce approximately 52,000 unmanned systems for tasks such as long-range strikes and intelligence collection over a five-year period from fiscal years 2027 to 2031. It is estimated that to strengthen the so-called "out-of-area defense capability" for conducting attacks beyond the enemy's range, Japan will need to invest over 90 trillion yen (approximately 57.8 billion USD), nearly double the amount required by the current plan. Several relevant individuals disclosed this information on the 16th.

Senior officials in the Japanese government stated that the total defense budget over the five years could swell to 70 trillion to 80 trillion yen, and how to secure funding sources will become a focal issue. Given that the total defense budget for the current plan covering fiscal years 2023 to 2027 is approximately 43 trillion yen, this means that the scale of the new development plan's defense budget will significantly expand. This move by Japan has also raised concerns about an intensifying regional arms race.

It is estimated that to enhance defense capabilities with artificial intelligence and unmanned systems, approximately 70 trillion yen will be required, which is six times that of the current plan. Among the drones expected to be deployed, Japan plans to introduce about 10,000 long-range attack drones, approximately 1,300 drones for attacking naval vessels, and about 7,500 drones for intelligence collection and surveillance.

In addition, Japan plans to equip a total of about 200 unmanned underwater vehicles capable of laying mines and launching long-range missiles. The draft also proposes ensuring the deployment of over 30 unmanned surface vessels for rescue or missile launch missions, as well as about 1,200 unmanned ground vehicles for combat support or base security.

In terms of out-of-area defense capabilities, Japan will promote the full-scale production and range extension of hypersonic missiles. The scale of the micro-satellite constellation used for detecting and tracking strike targets will increase to about 100 satellites. Including the introduction of the "electromagnetic railgun," which uses electromagnetic induction to launch hypervelocity projectiles, the cost of building the air defense system is expected to exceed 80 trillion yen.

The draft also clearly states that building a "sustained response capability" to address long-term warfare will be a new project, with an estimated funding requirement of about 10 trillion yen. Aiming to "ensure sufficient supplies to support sustained operations for one year," Japan will advance the stockpiling of ammunition, missiles, and fuel. (Translated by Ma Xiaoyun)