Japan is considering acquiring Ukrainian-made combat drones to strengthen its defense capabilities, reflecting growing international interest in battlefield-tested Ukrainian unmanned systems.
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According to Kyodo News on March 14, the Japanese government is studying the possibility of integrating Ukrainian strike drones into the Self-Defense Forces’ arsenal. The initiative follows a proposal from Ukraine to deepen defense cooperation and exchange technologies with Tokyo.
Sources cited by Kyodo News said one potential pathway involves signing a bilateral agreement on the transfer of defense equipment that would include provisions for protecting classified information. Such an agreement could enable Japan to purchase or jointly develop Ukrainian drone systems.
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A source in Japan’s Ministry of Defense told the outlet that Ukraine’s rapid technological adaptation during the war has made its systems particularly effective.
“Although Japan has little experience in drones, Ukraine has repeatedly upgraded its systems over a short period based on real combat experience, which has made them very powerful,” the source said.
Japanese officials are expected to make a final decision after comparing Ukrainian systems with drones produced by other countries. According to Kyodo News, Israel is also being considered as a supplier. However, the outlet reported that Tokyo may view cooperation with Ukraine as less politically sensitive amid international criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
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The potential purchase is tied to Japan’s broader defense modernization plans. According to Japanese government documents cited by Kyodo News, the Ministry of Defense allocated 277.3 billion yen (about $1.7 billion) in its draft budget for the 2026 fiscal year for the development and acquisition of unmanned systems.
These funds are linked to a new concept known as Synchronized, Hybrid, Integrated and Enhanced Littoral Defense (SHIELD). The strategy focuses on defending remote Japanese islands through large-scale deployment of reconnaissance and strike drones capable of operating in maritime environments.
International interest in Ukraine’s drone capabilities has grown as the country continues to adapt its systems under real combat conditions during Russia’s full-scale war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine has received multiple requests from foreign governments seeking assistance in countering Iranian-made drones.
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According to Zelenskyy on March 9, 11 countries—including states neighboring Iran, European partners, and the United States—have asked Ukraine for security cooperation related to defending against Shahed drones and similar aerial threats. The president said the requests include interest in interceptor systems, electronic warfare solutions, and training based on Ukraine’s battlefield experience.
“At this time, there are 11 requests from countries neighboring Iran, European states, and the United States,” Zelenskyy wrote following a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff. He added that Ukraine is reviewing which requests can be fulfilled without weakening its own defense capabilities.
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AloJapan.com