Japan accelerates interceptor drone procurement

Japan's state procurement agency has published a schedule for testing interceptor drones next month, aiming to accelerate procurement and deploy systems by 2027 near radar stations, bases, ships, and other critical facilities. The Ministry of Defense specifically requested autonomous unmanned systems capable of countering swarms of long-range kamikaze UAVs like the Shahed-136. The Japanese company Terra Drone, in partnership with Ukrainian startups, has developed two interceptor variants—Terra 1 and Terra 2—which have been tested in Ukraine against similar threats. The interceptor drones must be compatible with existing radars, require minimal crew, and have simple maintenance requirements.