The defence ministry requested a record budget of 8.9 trillion yen (RM224bil) as Tokyo looks to artificial intelligence to speed up decision-making in the face of a tense security environment.
The final budget could reach even higher as Tokyo undergoes a sweeping upgrade in order to navigate growing tension with its neighbours.
The latest request focuses on countering “new ways of warfare”, with an emphasis on the use of AI, drones and standoff missiles.
The ministry also hopes to implement an AI-powered decision support system.
The ministry said it plans to develop underwater-launched hypersonic missiles and establish a new unit to bolster defences against cognitive warfare, a growing threat aimed at shaping public opinion through disinformation campaigns and other operations. — AFP
