With an eye on China, Japan looks to kamikaze drones and low-cost missiles
Tokyo plans to introduce loitering munitions with a range of more than 1,000km, according to Japanese media reports citing official sources
The Yomiuri newspaper and Kyodo news agency reported on Wednesday that the strategy was focused on “integrated attacks” from unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range stand-off missiles, citing government and ruling coalition sources.
They said the drones and missiles would be used to break down enemy air defences and counterstrike missile launch bases.
The Japanese government is prioritising the development of suicide-style drones or loitering munitions – which fly to a target, crash into it and explode – targeting a range of more than 1,000km (621 miles). The strategy was informed by the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, where low-cost drones have proven pivotal, the Yomiuri reported.
It said new types of drones launched from aircraft or submarines, and those that navigate on or below the surface of the water, were being considered to diversify counterstrikes.
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The proposal also includes civil aviation components to produce missiles for counterstrikes that would drastically reduce costs and manufacturing times, in preparation for a prolonged conflict.