Exclusive: Japan Creates Defense Team to Develop Combat Drone and Artificial Intelligence Warfare.

Japan’s Defense Ministry has assembled a 30-member internal group to modernize its military capabilities to develop next-generation drone and artificial intelligence (AI) warfare strategies. According to information published by Asian Business Outlook on June 19, 2025, the ministry's initiative aims to leverage operational insights from the Ukraine war, strengthen Japan's defense-industrial base, and improve bilateral coordination with U.S. forces.
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Members of Japan's Defense Ministry internal task force convene to strategize advancements in drone and AI warfare capabilities as part of a broader effort to modernize national defense and enhance coordination with U.S. military forces. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group editing)

This strategic team is tasked with creating an integrated policy for the expanded use of unmanned systems and AI across Japan’s defense posture, with a focus on both domestic force modernization and export potential.

Historically, Japan’s engagement with drone technology has evolved from reconnaissance-focused platforms toward more advanced combat and multi-mission systems. A key milestone was the development of the Fuji TACOM UAV series, including fixed-wing and VTOL variants used for target acquisition and battlefield surveillance. More recently, the Ministry of Defense has funded the Research Institute for Secure Systems (RISEC) and other agencies to develop AI navigation modules, autonomous swarming behavior, and sensor fusion algorithms suitable for tactical and strategic UAVs. Current platforms under review include long-endurance drones with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) payloads, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and AI-enabled real-time object recognition software. This transition reflects a broader push to equip the Self-Defense Forces with UAVs capable of strike missions, persistent surveillance, and autonomous data processing under denied GPS conditions.

The ministry’s group will conduct in-depth evaluations of UAV capabilities, including strike drones, long-endurance surveillance platforms, and unmanned sea vessels, studying their use in recent conflicts. Specific focus areas include autonomous mission planning, AI-powered reconnaissance, and integration with existing command and control structures. One technical goal is to develop operational frameworks for manned-unmanned teaming, enabling drones to act as loyal wingmen for future aircraft like the F-X fighter, contributing to suppression of enemy air defenses and dynamic target engagement.

Central to the initiative is the application of artificial intelligence in joint command and control systems. Inspired by U.S. architectures such as JADC2, the group will investigate real-time data fusion, autonomous asset tasking, and cross-domain communications under contested conditions. AI will be employed not only to control UAVs but to enhance situational awareness, reduce cognitive load for human operators, and ensure seamless integration across air, land, and maritime domains.

On the industrial front, the Defense Ministry will explore methods to revitalize domestic production by accelerating UAV prototyping, adopting modular open architectures, and ensuring AI safety through certified firmware and secure communication protocols. This approach also supports Japan’s growing ambition to enter the defense export market. Systems under development will be designed for compatibility with allied partners, particularly those in Southeast Asia, ensuring interoperability and political alignment.

Maritime applications will be another cornerstone of the strategy, with Japan assessing the use of AI-enabled unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for coastal surveillance, electronic warfare, and strike operations. Drawing from Ukrainian tactics, these USVs may feature swarm coordination, autonomous target acquisition, and integration with shore-based missile systems to enhance maritime denial capabilities.

The group will also address command integration challenges with U.S. forces and assess financial frameworks such as the “Sympathy budget” to ensure sustainable collaboration. Ultimately, the findings and recommendations from this newly formed ministry unit are expected to shape Japan’s drone and AI doctrine over the next decade, driving both domestic defense readiness and the competitiveness of its emerging defense technologies on the global stage.

Japan's formation of a dedicated defense team marks a significant step toward the integration of advanced unmanned systems and artificial intelligence across its military operations. By focusing on autonomous capabilities, joint command structures, and strategic interoperability, the initiative aims to modernize the Self-Defense Forces while positioning Japan as a competitive player in the global defense technology market. With a comprehensive scope that spans aerial, maritime, and cross-domain operations, this effort underscores Japan’s commitment to developing a robust, AI-driven defense posture capable of addressing emerging threats and aligning with allied operational standards.