Japan's Defense Ministry asked for a record budget of 8.9 trillion yen ($55.6 billion) Monday, as Tokyo turns to artificial intelligence to sharpen decision-making in an increasingly tense security climate.
The final budget reportedly could reach 10 trillion yen as Tokyo undergoes a sweeping upgrade of its defense in order to navigate growing tension with neighbors such as China, North Korea and Russia.
The latest request focuses on countering "new ways of warfare," with an emphasis on the use of AI, drones and standoff missiles.
Under the request, the ministry hopes to implement an AI-powered decision support system.
It also wants to procure low-cost drones that can work in tandem with long-range missiles to neutralize enemy assets.
