Japan: Combat drones are a key element in adapting to modern warfare tactics

The White Paper on Defense, approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday and spanning 598 pages, asserts that China poses the greatest strategic challenge to Japan, amid the growing presence and repeated movements of Chinese warships in the Pacific Ocean.

As many countries race to develop combat drones, the Japanese government is prioritizing the development of domestic models for coastal defense, integrated with long-range missiles.

Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated in early July, “Speed is the decisive factor.”

The Defense Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (DATLA) recently selected four companies from among 38 that applied to participate in a rapid drone development program. Their prototypes will undergo tests conducted by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in early August before the final project is chosen.

Several companies are also developing similar aircraft. On Friday, Toshiba announced plans to develop combat drones in collaboration with the startup Pro Drone.

Japan believes that unmanned weapons systems could help offset the growing shortage in the number of military personnel, amid a declining population.

However, experts argue that developing fully domestic drones will be a significant challenge, given that Chinese imports dominate Japan’s commercial drone market.