Japan Boosts Defense to Beat New Wars

Thu Jun 18 2026 15:17:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Japan's defence minister pushes a stronger military to stop new conflicts amid rising regional tensions.

Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi says Japan must step up its military. He explains that the current security environment makes pacifist rules outdated. The government is raising defence spending to 2 % of GDP and expanding arms trade with allies. Critics worry about constitutional changes, but Koizumi says public votes will decide. Stronger forces aim to keep the region safe.

Japan Hopes Stronger Military Will Keep The Region Safe

Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi says Japan must upgrade its ability to defend itself. He says the pacifist rules of the 1940s no longer fit today’s fast‑moving threats.

Japan plans to bump its military budget to 2 % of GDP, a figure double the old war‑time limit. The extra money will fund new missile weapons and autonomous drones that can move on land, sea, and under‑water.

The government also lets Japan export or donate lethal weapons to 17 special partners, the first time in about 50 years. Koizumi highlighted talks with Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia and New Zealand about sharing ships and equipment.

Despite the courage of the plan, critics fear that it might slide Japan away from its Article 9 “pacifist” promise. Koizumi says the people would vote on changes, so it is a national choice, not a policy push.

The move comes as Beijing’s military activities near the Senkaku island chain grow more aggressive. Japan’s biggest ally, the United States, is urging it to share the cost of defence more evenly.