Japan uses vertical takeoff and landing drones to monitor its territorial waters.

According to information released in the Japanese Ministry of Defense 's 2025 Defense White Paper dated July 16, 2025, Japan is strengthening its maritime defense capabilities by integrating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into its naval forces, as part of a broader strategy to enhance its combat readiness in an increasingly complex regional security environment.

Japan plans to purchase six small ship-based UAVs in fiscal year 2025, which ends March 31, 2026. While the White Paper doesn't specify the particular platform, the US company Shield AI confirmed in early 2025 that its V-BAT UAV had been selected for operation on Japanese warships, according to FlightGlobal.

Japan's interest in UAVs isn't limited to the navy. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) operates Northrop Grumman's RQ-4B Global Hawk for high-altitude surveillance missions, while the JMSDF uses General Atomics' MQ-9B SeaGuardian for maritime patrol missions.

The White Paper also mentions the capabilities of medium-range UAVs, possibly alluding to Insitu's ScanEagle, which is used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. These systems bolster Japan's situational awareness and strategic operational reach across its seas.

The Shield AI V-BAT is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting missions in competitive environments. Equipped with heavy-fuel engines, the drone boasts a continuous flight time of over 13 hours and operates effectively in conditions without GPS and communication.

The fan design enhances safety in confined spaces such as ship decks. V-BAT is equipped with advanced sensors including synthetic aperture radar (SAR), AI-assisted optics system ViDAR, laser pointer, and SATCOM for out-of-visual-range control.

Designed for modularity and rapid deployment, the V-BAT carries a payload of up to 18 kg and can be ready for mission in less than 30 minutes. Currently used by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, it is suitable for both sea and land operations.

It offers advanced reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision targeting capabilities, and is expected to be equipped with kinetic energy munitions. Its mobile command and control capabilities and electronic warfare resilience make it a strategic weapon for modern forces.

Japan continues to diversify its automation capabilities. Tokyo plans to purchase a small attack UAV capable of attacking vehicles and other ground targets, designed to operate in conjunction with manned or unmanned platforms.

A transport UAV project led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is underway, including a medium-sized drone capable of carrying up to 200 kg of cargo, which was demonstrated in a disaster relief exercise in March 2025.

Japan is also investing in future air combat capabilities. As a key partner in the multinational Global Air Combat Program (GCAP) alongside the UK and Italy, Japan is developing an unmanned combat aircraft (UCAV) designed to support sixth-generation fighter jets, expected to launch in 2035.

This loyal flight squadron will provide semi-autonomous support in attack and electronic warfare missions. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a central role in this strategy, with the White Paper highlighting its role in enabling UCAV automation. Collaboration with the United States continues to advance AI technology for future unmanned platforms.