The Japanese government and ruling coalition are considering increasing defence spending to nearly double its current level over the next five years, in a move aimed at strengthening the country's military capabilities, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
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Under the proposal, defence spending over the five-year period beginning in April 2027 could range between 70 trillion and 80 trillion yen ($457 billion to $508 billion), compared with approximately 43 trillion yen allocated under the current five-year plan, which began in fiscal year 2023.
The plan forms part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's efforts to strengthen Japan's military capabilities.
However, the final spending figure remains under discussion as the government prepares its new budget and reviews its three key national security documents, both of which are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
One of the sources said the new allocation could include purchases of large numbers of drones, noting that the yen's depreciation had increased the cost of importing defence equipment.
The second source expected spending to settle between 75 trillion and 80 trillion yen, but questioned whether this amount would be sufficient given the security situation in East Asia.
The source added that the final figure would be subject to discussions between the government and parties in the ruling coalition.
Japan's Ministry of Defence said it had no comment on the information at this time.
