Country profile · SD Strength Index
Japan Military Strength 2026
Score by area
| Air power | 30 | |
| Missiles & strike | 12 | |
| Air & missile defence | 57 | |
| Sea power | 54 | |
| Land forces | 25 | |
| Manpower | 41 | |
| Budget & industry | 28 |
Armed forces in 2026
Key figures
As of 2026-10| Defence budget | 57–61 $bn | A |
| Share of GDP | 1.4 % | B |
| Active personnel | 217.7k | B |
| Reserves | 56k | B |
| Combat aircraft | 320–345 | C |
| Fifth-generation fighters | 40–50 | C |
| Attack helicopters | 30–55 | C |
| All military aircraft | 1,380–1,450 | C |
| Main battle tanks | 350–450 | C |
| Aircraft carriers | 0–2 | B |
| Destroyers | 36–40 | C |
| Frigates | 9–12 | C |
| Submarines | 24 | B |
| Longest missile range | 1,000–1,600 km | A |
| Long-range air-defence batteries | 16–28 | C |
| Nuclear warheads | 0 | A |
A confirmed B strong estimate C estimated range
Main equipment
| Equipment | Number | |
|---|---|---|
| Tomahawk Block IV/V | ~400 | B |
| Type 25 SSM (upgraded Type 12, ground-launched) | — | A |
| Type 25 HGP (hyper velocity gliding projectile) | — | A |
| F-35B | 5 | B |
How strong is Japan's military in 2026?
Strong at sea and against missiles, thin on land and short of people. The Self-Defense Forces have about 217,700 active personnel and 56,000 reservists. That fills only 88 per cent of the 247,000 posts the law allows. About 5,600 personnel quit mid career in FY2024, and the navy is hit hardest. The FY2025 intake of 11,177 was the first above 10,000 in three years and still missed its target.
On the Silent Dossier index Japan sits behind South Korea and India and ahead of Israel. Only the United States, China and Russia score higher for air defence or naval power. Its ground forces score below Taiwan's. Japan has not fought a war since 1945, though its fighters scramble often against Chinese and Russian aircraft.
How many F-35s does Japan have?
An estimated 40 to 50, and Tokyo does not publish an exact F-35A count. Two F-35A squadrons fly from Misawa. The first five F-35Bs were handed over at Nyutabaru in February 2026, where 202 Squadron is forming. Japan plans 147 in all: 105 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs.
Most of the fighter force is older. Silent Dossier estimates about 330 fighters, made up of roughly 190 to 200 F-15Js, about 90 F-2s and the F-35s. Counting helicopters, transports and trainers, Japan flies an estimated 1,430 military aircraft. Its next fighter, GCAP, is in development with Britain and Italy.
Does Japan have aircraft carriers?
Not yet. The two Izumo class helicopter carriers are being converted to fly F-35Bs. Izumo is due to finish in FY2027 and Kaga in FY2028. Two Hyuga class helicopter carriers and three Osumi landing ships complete a group of seven.
The fleet around them is Asia's strongest after China's. Japan runs an estimated 38 destroyers, eight of them Aegis ships of the Kongo, Atago and Maya classes. It also has about 10 Mogami frigates and 24 conventional submarines of the Soryu and Taigei classes. Two more Aegis System Equipped Vessels are being built for service in FY2027 and FY2028. Japan has no nuclear submarines.
Does Japan have long range missiles?
It does now. In January 2024 Japan bought 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles, half Block IV and half Block V, for $2.35bn. Deliveries began in March 2026. On 29 July the destroyer Chokai fired Japan's first Tomahawk, with a range of about 1,600 km, in a drill with the US Navy. In May, Tokyo denied reports that American deliveries would slip.
Japan's own missiles follow. The Type 25, an upgraded Type 12 fired from land with a reported range of about 1,000 km, deployed to Camp Kengun in Kumamoto in March 2026. Camp Fuji is next, and it is also where the Type 25 glide weapon began fielding this year. On 30 July an F-2 flew a test carrying an air launched version. For defence against incoming missiles Japan relies on its Aegis destroyers and an estimated 24 Patriot PAC-3 fire units.
What is Japan's defence budget?
A record ¥9.04 trillion for FY2026, about $58bn and 3.8 per cent more than the year before. That is about 1.4 per cent of a $4.1 trillion economy. Add related security spending and the total reaches about ¥10.6 trillion, enough to meet the 2 per cent of GDP target from FY2025. Tokyo plans to revise its three security documents in December 2026.
Japanese yards now build warships for other navies too. In April 2026 Australia signed a $6.5bn deal for the first three Upgraded Mogami frigates. Three days later Tokyo scrapped the rule that let it export finished lethal equipment in only five categories. Retired Abukuma class destroyer escorts are reportedly going to the Philippines.
Japan vs China: who is stronger?
China, by a wide margin. It has about 2 million active troops against Japan's 218,000, an estimated 1,650 fighters against 330, three aircraft carriers and more than 370 ships and submarines. It also holds an estimated 650 nuclear warheads. China's budget, estimated at $265bn, is more than four times Japan's.
Japan's answer is its alliances. It hosts about 55,000 American troops under the US-Japan Security Treaty and has reciprocal access agreements with Australia, Britain and the Philippines. The gap is far narrower at sea than on land. Its eight Aegis destroyers and 24 submarines are joined in 2026 by Tomahawks that reach 1,600 km.
Combat record and readiness
No combat since 1945. Its air force scrambles often against Chinese and Russian aircraft. JS Chokai made Japan's first Tomahawk live firing in July 2026.
MHI, KHI, Subaru and IHI build submarines, destroyers, frigates, tanks, patrol aircraft and missiles. Australia signed for the first three Upgraded Mogami frigates in April 2026, Japan's first major warship export. Japan is developing the GCAP fighter with the UK and Italy.
Recruitment falls short, leaving the forces at about 88 to 90% of the 247,000 authorised, with the navy worst hit. Record budgets are fielding counterstrike weapons, with Tomahawk and Type 25 missiles arriving in 2026. Pay rises and automation are meant to cover the gaps.
Latest Silent Dossier analysis
Questions readers ask
How strong is Japan's military?
It is one of Asia's strongest, behind China, South Korea and India on the Silent Dossier index. Air defence and the navy are its best assets. A small army and a recruiting shortfall hold it back.
How many F-35 does Japan have?
An estimated 40 to 50, including the first five F-35Bs delivered to Nyutabaru in February 2026. Japan plans 147 in total: 105 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs.
How big is Japan's military?
About 217,700 active personnel and 56,000 reservists. The active force fills only 88 per cent of the 247,000 posts the law allows, and recruitment keeps missing its targets.
How much does Japan spend on defence?
About $58bn in FY2026 (¥9.04 trillion), a record. That is about 1.4 per cent of GDP, rising to about 2 per cent with related security spending.
Does Japan have nuclear weapons?
No. Japan has no nuclear weapons and no nuclear powered submarines. It relies on its alliance with the United States, which keeps about 55,000 troops in the country.
Is Japan stronger than China?
No. China outnumbers Japan roughly nine to one in active troops and five to one in fighters, and it has three carriers and nuclear weapons. Japan's best counters are its Aegis destroyers and 24 submarines, backed by the US alliance.