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Last Update: 09/22/2026 at 11:34 PM EST
Japan’s Defense-Drone Modernization
Coverage from Asia Times, Dronexl, and others
Japan’s defense modernization is placing unmanned systems alongside missiles, artificial intelligence, secure cloud infrastructure, and new air-defense technologies.
Plans include low-cost combat drones for coastal defense and counterstrike missions, the Close Range Air Defense System for countering drone swarms, and warship-launched UAVs equipped with quantum sensors to help detect submarines near strategically important waterways. The effort also involves domestic manufacturers and defense suppliers, as Japan seeks resilient production while addressing personnel shortages and reliance on imported commercial drones. Together, these programs show how Tokyo is adapting procurement, military operations, and industrial policy to the changing character of warfare.
Looking Back
142 Day Timeline
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All Articles25 articles
Important
Japan plans to develop autonomous drones with quantum magnetic sensors by fiscal 2031 for tracking Chinese submarines around the Miyako Strait.
9/16/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries signed a June 26 MOU for a Japanese ASW Eurodrone U950 variant paired with Kawasaki P-1 patrol aircraft.
6/28/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi backs Air Kamui and JISDA cardboard drones, with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force using AirKamuy 150 aerial targets.
4/29/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
GA-ASI and Fujitsu signed an MOU in Japan to establish support capabilities for the MQ-9B aircraft planned for Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force.
9/1/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Japan's Defense Ministry is seeking fiscal 2027 funding for unmanned attack drones, AI command systems, and defense manufacturing facilities to strengthen counterstrike capabilities.
8/31/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Japan's Defense Ministry proposed a $55.6 billion annual budget in August 2026 to develop military drones, artificial intelligence, and supporting systems for the Self-Defense Forces.
9/5/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Japan showed a flashlight-sized combat drone in footage shared by NHK WORLD-JAPAN, highlighting a tube-stored multirotor system for close-range reconnaissance and ground strikes.
9/4/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
ClickOnDetroitJapan's Defense Ministry requested fiscal 2027 funding for attack drones and AI command systems to strengthen counterstrike capabilities amid regional tensions and personnel shortages.
8/31/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
AirKamuy announced flatpacked cardboard drones in Japan after Defense Minister Shinjirō Koizumi said the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force uses AirKamuy 150 as targets.
4/30/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced Japan will acquire Air Kamui corrugated-cardboard drones for military target practice to enable inexpensive large-scale production.
4/30/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Japan’s AirKamuy 150 cardboard drone, used by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force for training, is positioned for mass-logistics deployment after meetings with Defense Minister Shinjirō Koizumi.
5/4/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Japan's Defense Ministry requested funding for unmanned attack drones and AI command systems for the fiscal year beginning April 2027 in Japan.
8/31/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Japan's Defense Ministry requested funding in Tokyo for unmanned attack drones, AI command systems, and domestic uncrewed-weapons production for the fiscal year beginning April 2027.
8/31/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Japan's defense ministry proposed research in late August for quantum magnetic sensors on low-cost sea-surface drones operating from warships to detect submarines.
9/14/2026 • Drone Technology & Components • General
Rakuten is helping Helsing pursue a potential HX-2 loitering-munition sale to Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force during field testing in Japan through September.
8/18/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Anduril Industries is negotiating with Nissan to convert the Oppama plant in Yokosuka, Japan, into military drone production, with no deal signed as of June 25, 2026.
6/25/2026 • Market, Companies & Supply Chain • General
Interesting
Japan is acquiring 17 MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones during expanding security cooperation with Morocco discussed by officials in Rabat.
9/3/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Japan's Cabinet adopted a defense paper Tuesday directing faster combat-drone development for coastal defense as regional military activity and personnel shortages increase.
8/4/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Japan deploys AirKamuy AirKamuy 150 cardboard drones in expanding coastal defense efforts, using rapid kit assembly and low radar visibility to stress air defenses.
5/3/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Japan's defense ministry says AirKamuy 150 cardboard-built combat drones are being deployed as targets by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
5/10/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Prodrone unveiled the Aichi-based PD4B-MS all-Japan industrial drone prototype, linking the launch to Japan Economic Security Promotion Act designation for drones.
6/24/2026 • Market, Companies & Supply Chain • General
Rakuten Group is facilitating Helsing military drone field tests by Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force in Japan through September.
8/17/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Japan's Ministry of Defense is planning CRADS in Tokyo for fiscal 2027 to give the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force mobile missile, cannon, and laser defenses against drone swarms.
8/25/2026 • Counter-Drone & Airspace Security • General
Japan's Ground Self-Defence Forces are testing Helsing's HX-2 strike drone in Japan through September, with Rakuten supporting Helsing's prospective sale to the Japanese army.
8/17/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Additional
Helsing is testing the HX-2 strike drone with Japan's Ground Self-Defense Forces through September, with Rakuten facilitating Helsing's procurement efforts in Japan.
8/17/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General