As the threat posed by Shahed kamikaze drones has once again come into focus, Japan's テラ社 is stepping up development of interceptor drones. Mass-production capabilities in Japan and overseas are advancing through cooperation with its Ukrainian subsidiary and a mass-procurement contract with the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency.
Following US and Israeli attacks on Iran, footage of Shahed kamikaze drones targeting military bases and oil-related facilities was widely circulated, prompting renewed recognition of the importance of interceptor drones. テラ社 President Tokushige Toru (徳重徹) says the role of interceptor drones will grow as the nature of warfare changes.
Tokushige emphasized the need to counter inexpensive, mass-produced drones, saying it would be difficult to respond with costly weapons such as laser systems. He said interest in interceptor drones had also spread among Japanese defense officials, prompted by incidents involving the US and UK.
テラ社's rocket-shaped interceptor drone, the Terra A1, can achieve a higher speed than the Shahed and is estimated to cost approximately ¥400,000 to manufacture. Its structure is suited to production using 3D printers and enables mass production. The company has currently signed a mass-procurement contract with the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency.
Through development of the Terra A1, テラ社 has made a Ukrainian drone company a subsidiary and has built up a track record of successfully intercepting Shahed drones.