Tokyo, September 2: Japan is set to rapidly enhance the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned technology in its defense preparations. Prime Minister Sanae Takaiichi addressed senior officials from the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) on Wednesday, emphasizing the need to incorporate rapidly evolving new technologies into the defense framework compared to traditional military equipment.
According to Japanese news agency Kyodo, Takaiichi, speaking as the Commander-in-Chief of the SDF, stated that technologies like AI and unmanned defense systems should be adopted more swiftly. He noted that the development of these technologies is progressing at a pace distinctly different from that of conventional defense tools.
Takaiichi announced that Japan is preparing to revise its three major national security and defense documents by the end of this year. These documents will set the direction for the country’s defense policy for the coming years.
He remarked, “The revised documents will establish a new direction for strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities. This is in response to the changing regional security environment, where many countries are rapidly integrating AI into military systems and developing capabilities for large-scale use of unmanned aerial vehicles.”
Japan’s current national security strategy and two other key defense documents were formulated in 2022, considering the defense policy for the next decade. However, the Takaiichi government has decided to expedite the timeline for their revision.
The primary reason for this shift is the rapidly changing dynamics in East Asia. Japan is particularly concerned about China’s growing military capabilities and North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
Tokyo believes that the nature of warfare is changing swiftly. Relying solely on traditional fighter jets, warships, or other military platforms will not suffice. Systems equipped with AI, drones, and other unmanned platforms could play a crucial role in future military strategies.
Japan is also under pressure from the United States to increase its defense spending. The administration of former President Donald Trump consistently urged allied nations to invest more in their defense sectors.
In 2022, Japan made a significant shift in its defense policy by deciding to acquire “counter-strike capabilities.” This move is seen as a major departure from its traditionally defensive military policy adopted after World War II.
At the same time, Japan set a goal to raise its defense spending to 2% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The emphasis on AI and unmanned military technologies signals that Japan does not want to limit its defense policy to merely acquiring more weapons but aims to transform its military capabilities in line with technological advancements.
This meeting of top officials from the Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Forces is the first since Takaiichi assumed office as Prime Minister last October.
The meeting was first held in 1964 and has generally occurred annually. However, it lost regularity after September 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, it was conducted remotely.
Now, nearly seven years later, this gathering of senior military officials comes at a time when Japan is preparing to define the next direction of its defense policy.
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