NHK announced Japan's plans to allocate more than 9 trillion yen for defense in 2026

Japan plans to allocate a record amount for the needs of the armed forces — more than 9 trillion yen ($58 billion) in the 2026 fiscal year, which begins on April 1. This was reported on December 17 by the NHK TV channel.

"Approximately 177 billion yen will be allocated for the purchase of an improved version of the domestic Type-12 rocket," the publication says.

Approximately 30 billion yen will be allocated for the purchase of hypersonic guided missiles, and about 160 billion yen will be allocated for the development of next-generation fighter jets, NHK said.

Also, according to the TV channel, the budget includes expenditures for the development of the SHIELD system, designed to protect the long coast of Japan using drones.

Japanese Thatcher: a woman became Prime Minister of Japan for the first time

Sanae Takaichi, chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, took over the post.

Earlier, on December 9, Bloomberg reported that Japan was increasing its military presence in the Ryukyu Archipelago, located near Taiwan, deploying missile systems and deploying additional forces to confront China. According to the agency's material, Japan has also begun deploying F-35 fighter jets and long-range missiles.

On December 4, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized Tokyo's bellicose statements and actions towards Taiwan, stressing that they are provocative, destabilizing the situation in the region and contrary to Japan's constitutional principles.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.