Japan doubles down on Asia’s defence by expanding budget, reach of security aid scheme

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Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi was at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025, where she expressed a desire to strengthen Japan’s security cooperation with the region.

PHOTO: AFP

Summary

• Japan is expanding its Official Security Assistance (OSA) across South-east Asia, with Thailand as the 11th recipient by March 2026 and Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos as priorities.
• The OSA budget is significantly increasing to 18.1 billion yen in fiscal year 2026 to supply higher-performance surveillance equipment amid China concerns.
• Japan aims to revise military export rules, fostering regional security and self-reliance while maintaining Indo-Pacific stability, as highlighted by experts.

AI generated

TOKYO – Japan is set to significantly expand its Official Security Assistance (OSA) scheme across South-east Asia, as the initiative enters its fourth year with mounting momentum and support.

Launched in April 2023, the OSA provides military support to strengthen the security and deterrence capabilities of developing nations that Japan hopes to partner with on security.

It is the military counterpoint to the Official Development Assistance scheme, which focuses on civilian projects to support socio-economic growth in developing countries.

Three of the 10 OSA recipients so far are from ASEAN: the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Thailand is set to become the 11th recipient during the 2025 fiscal year, which ends in March.

Support is aimed at benefiting the armed forces or related organisations in like-minded countries, and may include capacity-building activities or military equipment for surveillance, counter-terrorism, counter-piracy, or disaster relief.

Looking ahead, Japan is keen to