Report: Japan to introduce Israel-made attack drones
According to reports in Japanese media, Tokyo is interested in strengthening the defense of the remote Nansei islands, and will introduce IAI’s Harop
IAI’s Harop drone. Photo: IAI website
The Japanese Defense ministry is planning to introduce attack drones, made in Israel and the US, to self-defense force units on a trial basis in 2023 to strengthen the defense of the remote Nansei islands, especially against the backdrop of China’s expansion and aggression. This, according to Japanese newspaper The Yomiuri Shimbun, which cites government officials.
The drones which are expected to be introduced are Israel’s Harop, and American Switchblade
Starting in 2025, Japan plans to deploy hundreds of attack drones, including those manufactured in Japan, according to the source.
According to the EurAsian Times, Tokyo “has closely monitored Ukraine’s counter-offensive with drones to battle the Russian military. The Japanese defense military is interested in drones that can be employed in actual warfare, not just in surveillance and intelligence gathering.
