https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/japan-seeks-new-extended-range-missiles-in-record-55b-defense-budget-requestContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/japan-seeks-new-extended-range-missiles-in-record-55b-defense-budget-requesthttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/japan-seeks-new-extended-range-missiles-in-record-55b-defense-budget-request#u56664Fri, 04 Sep 2026 07:50:05 +0000Japan has submitted a record defense budget request totaling $55 billion, or ¥8.9 trillion, targeting advanced long-range strike capabilities, drones, and artificial intelligence. The funding push addresses growing regional pressure from China and includes plans for new extended-range missiles alongside underwater-launched hypersonic systems. The Japanese Defense Ministry expects the final spending figures to swell further before the end of the year.Why it mattersThe massive financial request reflects Tokyo's ongoing shift toward bolstering its military posture in response to heightened s