蓝厅观察丨日本防卫费连年上涨 强军扩武路上狂奔

Core Viewpoint - The Japanese government has approved a record defense budget exceeding 9 trillion yen for the fiscal year 2026, reflecting a significant increase in military spending aimed at enhancing Japan's defense capabilities and signaling a shift towards a more offensive military strategy [1][3]. Group 1: Defense Budget Overview - Japan's defense budget has consistently surpassed 6 trillion yen, 7 trillion yen, 8 trillion yen, and now 9 trillion yen in consecutive fiscal years, indicating a rapid escalation in military expenditure [1]. - The proportion of defense spending in Japan's GDP has risen sharply from 1.19% to 2% from fiscal year 2023 to 2025, aligning with NATO standards for military spending [3]. Group 2: Allocation of Defense Spending - The increased defense budget is primarily allocated towards developing medium- to long-range missiles capable of striking enemy command centers, with plans to extend missile ranges to over 1,000 kilometers and budget for at least 1,000 missiles [5]. - Japan is collaborating with the United States to develop hypersonic glide weapons, with some projects already nearing operational status [5]. - The budget also supports the production of advanced military equipment, including deep-sea submarines and space weapons, emphasizing the need for unmanned combat capabilities [5]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The shift in Japan's defense strategy indicates a departure from its traditional "defensive" posture towards a more aggressive military stance aimed at deterring China, which poses potential threats to regional security [5][9]. - The current government under Prime Minister Kishi has accelerated military expansion efforts, including proposed changes to arms export policies and nuclear principles, reflecting a significant shift in Japan's defense policy [7][9].