Japan Officially Announces Integration of V-Bat Drones to Counter Regional Maritime Threats.

According to information published in the 2025 Defense White Paper of the Japanese Ministry of Defense on July 16, 2025, Japan is enhancing its maritime defense capabilities by integrating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into its naval forces as part of a broader strategy to improve operational readiness in a more complex regional security environment. Japan plans to acquire six small shipborne UAVs during fiscal year 2025, ending on March 31, 2026. While the white paper does not specify a platform, US firm Shield AI confirmed in early 2025 that its V-BAT UAV has been selected for operations from Japanese warships, as reported by FlightGlobal.
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The Shield AI V-BAT is a vertical takeoff and landing drone designed for ISR and targeting missions in contested environments. (Picture source: Shield AI) 

Japan's interest in UAVs is not limited to the navy. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) operates the Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk for high-altitude surveillance, while the JMSDF uses the General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGuardian for maritime patrol missions. The White Paper also mentions a mid-range UAV capability, likely referring to Insitu’s ScanEagle used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks. These systems reinforce Japan’s situational awareness and strategic reach across its maritime areas.

The Shield AI V-BAT is a vertical takeoff and landing drone designed for ISR and targeting missions in contested environments. Equipped with a heavy fuel engine, it offers more than 13 hours of endurance and operates effectively in GPS- and comms-denied settings. Its ducted-fan design enhances safety on confined spaces like ship decks. The V-BAT features advanced sensors including a synthetic aperture radar (SAR), the ViDAR AI-enabled optical system, a laser designator, and SATCOM for Beyond Line of Sight control.

Modular and quick to deploy, the V-BAT carries up to 18 kg of payload and can be mission-ready in under 30 minutes. Already in service with the US Navy, the Marine Corps, and the US Coast Guard, it is suited for both naval and land operations. It provides advanced ISR, precision targeting, and is expected to be equipped with kinetic munitions. Its mobile command capabilities and resilience against electronic warfare make it a strategic asset for modern forces.

Japan continues diversifying its autonomous capabilities. Tokyo plans to acquire a small attack UAV capable of engaging vehicles and other ground targets, designed to operate alongside manned or unmanned platforms. A transport UAV project led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is underway, featuring a medium-sized drone capable of carrying up to 200 kilograms 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 Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with the UK and Italy, Japan is developing an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) designed to accompany sixth-generation fighters expected by 2035. This loyal wingman will provide semi-autonomous support in strike and electronic warfare missions. Artificial intelligence is central to this strategy, with the White Paper highlighting its role in enabling UCAV autonomy. Collaboration with the United States continues to advance AI technologies for future unmanned platforms.

Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) is also contributing by testing eight small UAVs delivered in 2025, aimed at improving coordination between manned and unmanned aircraft to ensure future force interoperability.

In summary, Japan is gradually building comprehensive autonomous capabilities across its defense forces, combining shipborne UAVs like Shield AI’s V-BAT with advanced surveillance platforms, combat drones, and logistics UAVs. This approach reflects Japan’s commitment to modernizing its military capabilities to address evolving regional security challenges. The integration of the V-BAT provides Japan with a proven solution to extend maritime surveillance amid rising tensions with China, Russia, and North Korea. This strategic shift toward autonomy and persistent ISR capabilities aligns with the needs of the Indo-Pacific maritime environment. With potential integration on future patrol vessels and possibly destroyers, the V-BAT represents a key asset for securing Japanese waters and enhancing interoperability with allied forces.