Japan's Cabinet has approved a record defense budget exceeding 9 trillion yen for fiscal year 2026, marking a 9.4% increase from the previous year. This plan aims to enhance strike-back capabilities and coastal defense with new missiles and unmanned systems. The move occurs amid rising regional tensions, particularly with China, and aligns with Japan's five-year program to double annual arms spending to 2% of GDP. The strategy also involves revising security policy and strengthening the Self-Defense Force's offensive role under its alliance with the U.S.