The Japanese military is considering the purchase of the Israeli-made Heron-2 drone, which is manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Recently, a Heron-2 drone was photographed at a Japanese airport, featuring an Israeli registration number and stickers from Kawasaki Heavy Industries, which has signed a cooperation agreement with IAI.
This marks the first documented instance of an Israeli weapon system being tested in Japan.
Despite significant and ongoing investment in its security, Japan has refrained from purchasing Israeli platforms until now. However, Japan has occasionally purchased components from Israeli defense manufacturers, primarily from IAI.
Japan has a well-developed arms industry. It produces its own version of the American F-16, along with transport and training aircraft.
It is also partnering with the UK to develop a future stealth fighter aircraft. Kawasaki, known in Israel for manufacturing motorcycles and ATVs, also produces transport aircraft and maritime patrol planes for the Japanese Air Force.
Until now, Japan has primarily purchased foreign weapon systems from the United States in large quantities. Like Israel, Japan strives to maintain independence in defense capabilities.
Japan previously refrained from security ties to Israel
However, for many years, Japan refrained from open security ties with Israel due to the Arab boycott. The relationship has gradually shifted, and in 2020, the defense ministries of Tel Aviv and Tokyo signed agreements to expose classified Israeli weapon systems to Japan.
In response to China’s growing influence, Japan has recently launched its first aircraft carriers since World War II.
As part of its military buildup, Japan is seeking to acquire unmanned aircraft for various missions, partly due to a manpower shortage in its military, driven by the country's declining birth rates. Japan’s population, currently about 120 million, is expected to fall below 100 million in the coming decades.
The Heron-2 is a medium-sized drone with a long-term endurance capacity. The drone photographed in Japan was configured for electronic warfare. In the Israeli Air Force, for which it was developed, the Heron-2 is also used for reconnaissance and strike missions.
Known as "Shoval" in the Israeli Air Force, Heron-2 drones were involved in operations in Iran, where the Iranians displayed debris from at least one drone they claimed to have shot down. The Heron-2 has also been sold to India and other customers.
If Japan decides to acquire the Heron-2, Kawasaki will likely manufacture the drones for the local market.
Japan is also comparing the Heron-2 with the Turkish Bayraktar drone, which has become the best-selling drone in its category in recent years.