The initiative came from Kiev, which seeks to deepen military cooperation with Japan. The authorities in Tokyo, which responded very favorably to the proposal, are interested in Ukrainian drones due to the Ukrainians' experience and the effectiveness of this equipment in extreme war conditions.
A representative of the Japanese Ministry of Defense, quoted by the Kyodo News news website, admitted that Japan currently has limited experience in conducting large-scale drone warfare. Ukraine has been rapidly improving its unmanned aerial vehicles during the ongoing conflict with Russia, repeatedly improving their software based on feedback from fighting soldiers.
Japanese policymakers see these experiences as valuable in quickly strengthening their own needs for unmanned weapons systems.
What drones is Japan considering purchasing from Ukraine?
Why is Japan interested in Ukrainian drones?
What could Ukraine receive in exchange for drones?
What changes is Japan making in its defense strategy?
Previously, Tokyo was exploring the possibility of purchasing drones from Israel, which is one of the leading producers of this type of machines in the world. Japanese planners, however, decided that concluding a transaction with Ukraine would be less politically sensitive in the context of international criticism that had fallen on Israel in connection with its military actions in the Gaza Strip.
Talks between Tokyo and Kyiv
The talks between Tokyo and Kiev are closely related to Japan's rapidly changing defense strategy, in which the government declared to change the pacifist constitution and abandon the strict policy limiting the transfer of weapons to other countries. The Japanese Ministry of Defense has allocated 277.3 billion yen (about $1.7 billion) for the development and purchase of unmanned systems.
The countries of the Persian Gulf, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which are struggling with Iranian air attacks, are also interested in Ukrainian drones.
