From hybrid transport drones to autonomous surveillance systems — this year's Japan International Aerospace Exhibition is hosting a flurry of dual-use unmanned aerial vehicles, testament to not only the growing global popularity of drones but also the Defense Ministry's increasing demand for these force multipliers.
Both Japanese and foreign firms are displaying their latest drone tech at the four day-event in Tokyo, which is on until Saturday, amid plans by the ministry to replace the Self-Defense Forces’ aging aircraft and helicopters with UAVs while also requesting ¥103 billion ($687 million) in next year’s budget for unmanned assets, including ¥3 billion to acquire small attack drones capable of striking enemy forces’ ships and aircraft.
Whether in Ukraine, the Middle East or elsewhere, recent years have seen an exponential growth in the use of increasingly capable, low-cost drones.
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