The Sankei Shimbun 
Ukrainian soldier flying a drone near Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine (©Reuters/Kyodo).
On January 12, multiple government officials revealed that the Ministry of Defense (MOD) will introduce approximately 310 small attack drones in fiscal year 2026. These drones are designed to destroy enemy vehicles and vessels. Equipped with explosives for suicide attacks, the drones will be the first of their kind owned by the Self-Defense Forces (SDF). Heavy use of drones on both sides of the Russia-Ukraine conflict influenced the MOD’s decision.
Operational tests have already been conducted using Israeli, Australian, and Spanish drones. However, the MOD will finalize the model selection through a general competitive bidding process.
Playing the Drones Trump Card
The ministry allocated ¥3.2 billion JPY (approximately $20.3 million USD) in its fiscal 2025 budget for the procurement of these drones. It intends to deploy them to Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) infantry units to strengthen defense capabilities in areas such as the Nansei Islands. Additionally, the GSDF plans to replace existing combat and reconnaissance helicopters with drones.
This introduction of drones is part of the Unmanned Asset Defense Capability outlined in Japan's Three (Security) Documents. The ministry plans to invest around ¥1 trillion ($6.3 billion) over five years from fiscal 2023 in drone deployment and related initiatives.
Currently, the SDF is facing personnel shortages due to a declining birthrate and an increase in mid-career resignations. That is why ministry officials consider drones a trump card. Compared to conventional weapons, drones offer advantages. They are inexpensive and quick to procure, capable of mass deployment, and make it easy to train operators.
Gradual enhancements to its drone-based attack capabilities are part of the GSDF's plan, including future considerations for larger attack drones that can be transported by vehicles. Funding for reconnaissance drones, along with research and demonstration costs for transport drones, is included in the fiscal 2025 budget. Both the Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces are also accelerating their efforts to deploy drones.
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(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
