Japan's prime minister pushes faster AI and unmanned weapon integration

In a briefing with top commanders of the Self-Defense Forces, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called for a rapid rollout of artificial intelligence and unmanned defence assets, arguing that these technologies evolve far faster than conventional equipment. The push comes ahead of a scheduled year-end revision of three cornerstone national security documents, which will supersede the 2022 strategy that covered the next decade.

Takaichi said the new papers will chart a stronger defence posture amid a more intricate security landscape and growing AI-driven capabilities worldwide. He highlighted challenges posed by China and North Korea and noted pressure from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to raise defence spending. The session was the first of its kind since Takaichi took office, reviving a forum that had been held annually until 2019 and only remotely in 2020.