Japan Accelerates Search for Interceptor Drones; Terra Drone, Which Cooperates With Ukrainian Developers, Among Candidates

Japan has launched a program to accelerate the selection of interceptor drones to protect the Japan Self-Defense Forces’ military bases, airfields, and ships from attack drones.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency reported this on July 15.

The four platforms admitted to state testing include the Terra B1 drone from Terra Drone, which is cooperating with the Ukrainian company Amazing Drones on the development of the Terra A1 model. The tests will take place from late July to early August.

Four systems from different manufacturers were admitted to testing: BVQ404 from the Portuguese company Beyond Vision; QS Interceptor from the German company Quantum Systems; Terra B1, developed by the Ukrainian company Amazing Drones and offered by the Japanese company Terra Drone; and IonStrike from the American company DZYNE Technologies.

If one or more samples confirm the required characteristics, the Japanese side plans to conclude a contract for serial deliveries at the end of August, with the first deliveries scheduled for September.

According to the program’s technical requirements, Japan is looking for interceptor drones capable of destroying drones weighing up to 600 kilograms and flying at an altitude of about 5.5 kilometers at speeds of about 463 km/h.

The program is primarily aimed at countering long-range strike drones such as Shahed and IAI Harpy.

Terra A1 interceptor drone:

• maximum speed — 280 km/h;
• flight time — 15 minutes;
• maximum range — 18 km;
• payload — 500 grams;
• launch method — VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing).

The Japanese Ministry of Defense is currently implementing the SHIELD (Synchronized, Hybrid, Integrated and Enhanced Littoral Defense) layered coastal defense system program.

The new system is designed to create a unified control and guidance mechanism for different types of drones, combining platforms and drones of three types operated by the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

The combination of these systems provides asymmetric and multilayered defense, the development of which is a priority in the context of the confrontation with China. The cost of developing the system is estimated at $860 million, and its integration into the structure of the Japan Self-Defense Forces is planned for 2027.

Militarnyi previously reported that Terra Drone Corporation, which invested in Ukrainian drones, won its first tender from the Japanese Ministry of Defense to supply drones worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The project involves the delivery of 300 units for the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), a government agency under the Japanese Ministry of Defense.