The Ministry of Defense plans to move forward with large-scale procurement of domestically produced drones, targeting domestic production capacity for 80,000 units by 2030. The defense industry is being prioritized as part of the growth strategy of the Sanae Takaichi (高市 早苗) administration, with dual-use drones for military and civilian applications expected to serve as a core element.
The Ministry of Defense has announced plans to move forward with large-scale procurement of domestically produced drones, targeting domestic production capacity for 80,000 units by 2030. The move is reportedly intended to create demand for dual-use drones and promote domestic production.
The initiative has been incorporated into the government's Japan Growth Strategy, which identifies the defense industry as one of 17 strategic sectors. According to the announced details, investment by the government and private sector in small aerial drones is expected to total ¥400 billion through fiscal 2040.
The policy centers on a dual-use strategy and seeks to balance national security and economic growth through investment in the defense industry and the creation of domestic demand. Attention is turning to specific business developments and trends in companies' production capacity.