Japan belatedly plans to introduce armed UAVs
The JGSDF has deployed Insitu’s ScanEagle UAV, but the country is now eyeing armed UAVs and loitering munitions. (Koji Miyake)
Japan has been lagging behind in the application of military UAVs, but current conflicts have prompted it to realise the need for armed UAVs and loitering munitions.
The Japanese MoD has decided to trial armed UAVs from FY2023, according to Japanese media, and it will introduce hundreds of them from FY2025 onwards.
The UAVs to be tested will likely be mainly loitering munitions such as the Israeli Harop or American Switchblade. Furthermore, missile-carrying UAVs in the category of the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 will also be introduced.
The only UAVs currently in use by Japan are for reconnaissance missions, such as the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s RQ-4 Global Hawk, and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s ScanEagles and FFOS/FFRS observation rotary-winged UAVs.
The Japanese MoD has belatedly decided
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK MoD “getting a grip” of budgets as three UK air programmes slip into the red]()
UK MoD “getting a grip” of budgets as three UK air programmes slip into the red
The E-7 Wedgetail, Future Combat Air System and the Protector programmes were highlighted as items of concern from a recently published UK Infrastructure and Projects Authority report.
-
![First EPAWSS-equipped F-15E Strike Eagles arrive in the UK]()
First EPAWSS-equipped F-15E Strike Eagles arrive in the UK
The F-15 Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System programme has achieved its first major milestone after 11 years of development, with two jets arriving at RAF Lakenheath.
-
![Lockheed wins $270 million USAF contract for F-22 infrared sensor upgrade]()
Lockheed wins $270 million USAF contract for F-22 infrared sensor upgrade
Tactical Infrared Search and Track (TacIRST) sensors will be installed to boost the fighter’s survivability and lethality.
-
![Lockheed wins $8.7 million contract for Singapore F-16 upgrades]()
Lockheed wins $8.7 million contract for Singapore F-16 upgrades
The contract modification announced by the DSCA, will cover consolidated spares in support of Singapore’s F-16 upgrade programme.
-
![US Air Force pushes back T-7A production to 2026]()
US Air Force pushes back T-7A production to 2026
The US Air Force (USAF) and Boeing have agreed to adjust parts of the T-&A Red Hawk acquisition, with four more test T-7As being acquired to help improve manufacturing readiness and boost testing capacity.
-
![US approves additional $39 million JASSM-ER order for JASDF’s aircraft]()
US approves additional $39 million JASSM-ER order for JASDF’s aircraft
The contract for these additional missiles to equip its F-15J, F-35A and F-35B fighter jets follows its earlier request for 50 missiles in March 2024.
