Japan Contemplates Large-Scale Drone Deployment, Weighs Options for Turkish and Israeli Drones
Japan Expands Defensive UAV Capabilities with Cost-Effective Drones
Japan is accelerating its drone procurement strategy, aiming to rapidly expand its defensive Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capabilities by prioritizing numerical strength over technological exclusivity. The government has earmarked around $690 million for over 1 trillion yen (~$6.3 billion) in its 2026 fiscal budget for acquiring a large fleet of drones spanning ground, maritime, and air forces.
The focus of Japan's procurement strategy includes the evaluation of two major drone platforms: Israel's Heron 2 and Turkey's Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aircraft systems. These platforms are under consideration due to their proven operational effectiveness and cost efficiency compared to American systems like the MQ-9B SeaGuardian already in service.
Israeli Heron 2 UAVs with Kawasaki Heavy Industries markings have recently been spotted in Japan, hinting at procurement or trial use. The Defense Ministry created a dedicated working group in April 2025 to explore how to integrate drones into future operations, with a clear strategic focus on massive deployment to secure Japan's strategic islands, sets of maritime areas, and enhance reconnaissance and offensive capacities.
The Turkish Bayraktar TB2 offers a flight endurance of 20-24 hours, a service ceiling of 22,000-27,000 feet, a payload capacity of 55-150 kilograms, and has proven effectiveness in conflicts from Ukraine to the South Caucasus. Its smaller logistical footprint makes it suitable for deployment to airfields in the Ryukyu Islands.
Formal procurement agreements with Turkish firms had not been finalized as of August 2025, as discussions on export controls and technology exchange continue. Japan remains interested in Turkey’s drone tech and its own development of command/control capabilities.
If Japan proceeds with procurement, Kawasaki Heavy Industries may manufacture or assemble platforms locally. Both Israeli and Turkish suppliers have expressed willingness to discuss licensed production, maintenance, and payload joint development with major Japanese companies including Kawasaki and Subaru.
Japan's medium- to long-term goal is to develop a domestic drone industry, but immediate needs prevail: rapid delivery and numerical strength for deterring regional threats, especially due to China's increasing assertiveness in the Western Pacific. Thus, the procurement mix includes a variety of foreign UAVs to build up capacity swiftly while domestic capabilities mature.
In summary, Japan's drone procurement strategy is aimed at rapid mass deployment by 2026–2027. The focus is on cost-effective, battle-proven platforms like the Israeli Heron 2 and Turkish Bayraktar TB2 UAVs. Formal procurement of these drones is underway but not finalized, with ongoing negotiations particularly regarding the Turkish systems. Japan is balancing immediate defensive needs with longer-term indigenous drone development goals.
- The Turkish Bayraktar TB2 UAVs, with their proven effectiveness in various conflicts, are under consideration by Japan's government for their fleet, despite ongoing negotiations regarding export controls and technology exchange with Turkish firms.
- Japan's drone procurement strategy, targeting rapid mass deployment by 2026–2027, includes foreign UAVs like Russia's Turkish counterpart, the Turkish Bayraktar TB2, with a focus on cost-effective, battle-proven platforms.
- In Ankara, the Turkish government might be involved in discussions with Japanese firms about exporting their drone technology, specifically the Turkish Bayraktar TB2, as Japan explores its options for expanding its defensive UAV capabilities.
