Japan's Defense Ministry is seeking about 8.9 trillion yen (about 56.1 billion U.S. dollars) for the 2027 fiscal year, setting a new record high, local media reported on Wednesday.
Kyodo News reported that the ministry will begin developing a submarine-launched hypersonic missile and push forward research on equipping unmanned submarines with long-range missile launch capabilities, according to the full contents of the disclosed fiscal 2027 defense budget request.
The report said that the defense budget request for fiscal 2027 prioritizes three areas. The first is a new defense approach to counter new forms of warfare involving drones and artificial intelligence (AI). The second is sustained response capability for prolonged conflicts. The third is the foundation of defense capabilities, including the production base for defense equipment and improved conditions for Self-Defense Forces personnel.
According to the report, the ministry is also developing a vertical launch system that can be loaded onto submarines. It will start work on low-cost domestically produced long-range missiles while also purchasing missiles from overseas. With these projects included, the final budget could reach around 10 trillion yen when it is formally compiled at the end of this year.
In late 2022, the Japanese government adopted three key security documents, setting a total defense budget of about 43 trillion yen for the five fiscal years from 2023 to 2027. Since fiscal 2023, Japan's defense budget has repeatedly hit record highs, raising concerns across Japanese society.
Analysts believe the continued expansion of defense spending sends a dangerous signal that the government is accelerating military buildup and seeking a breakthrough in military capability.
Japan plans record defense budget for fiscal 2027
Leaders In Future Tech+ (LIFT+), a large-scale documentary program focused on youth sci-tech innovation, made for integrated-media, was officially aired on Oct 3 by China Media Group (CMG).
Starting Oct 3, the program is set to air every Saturday at 17:30 on CMG's CCTV-4 channel and be simultaneously presented across its Yangshipin new media matrix.
The program, jointly produced by China Media Group, the Ministry of Education, and the municipal government of Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, brings together resources from industry, academia, research, and investment sectors to make a comprehensive showcase of the thriving ecosystem and dynamic growth of China's youth-led sci-tech innovation.
Since its launch, LIFT+ has held 15 preliminary rounds spanning 10 cities across China. Following a rigorous selection process involving nearly 500 registered enterprises and innovation teams, 100 groups of young innovators -- with an average age of 28 -- gathered in Nanjing to embark on a journey of growth, bridging technology with capital and connecting creative ideas with industry.
The premiere episode of the program uses a documentary-style perspective to chronicle the journeys of 22 teams of young innovators who unanimously passed the preliminary selection. A panel of "Youth Innovation Ambassadors" -- comprising over a dozen academicians, industry experts, and heads of leading investment firms -- is set up to help the young innovators take the center stage.
LIFT+ has demonstrated significant effectiveness in empowering the industry. Through multiple rounds of selection and a series of implementation-focused events, the program has secured investment intentions totaling over 485 million yuan (nearly 72.5 million US dollars) across 34 participating sci-tech enterprises. Furthermore, its collaboration with the city of Nanjing has led to 31 businesses setting up shop there.
CMG airs documentary program on youth sci-tech innovation
