Japan to boost defense aid program, targeting at least 12 partner nations

Tokyo announced that its Official Security Assistance program will support at least 12 partner nations in fiscal 2026, an increase from eight countries the prior year. Kenya will become the first recipient of defense equipment under the scheme, a move aimed at enhancing surveillance and monitoring capabilities in the western Indian Ocean as China’s presence expands in the region. The government has earmarked roughly 18.1 billion yen for the program through March 2027, more than twice the amount allocated for fiscal 2025.

In July, the Foreign Ministry approved the provision of communications equipment and patrol boats to Cambodia’s military, and Japan is working with Australia to assist Fiji in constructing military facilities. Additional countries under consideration for aid include the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, East Timor and Palau. The assistance will focus on completed defense items that do not fall under Japan’s Self-Defense Forces Law as lethal weapons, continuing a pattern of supplying dual-use gear such as patrol boats and coastal radar systems. Officials hope the expanded outreach will also promote Japanese defense industry products abroad.