Japan is seeking a more significant role in Europe’s leading drone development programme, potentially bringing one of Asia’s most advanced manufacturing hubs into a project aimed at providing European militaries with a domestically produced alternative to U.S.-made unmanned aerial vehicles.
This potential collaboration is expected to be a point of discussion during Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s meeting with Group of Seven leaders in France this week. Tokyo’s interest in joining the Eurodrone initiative reflects a broader effort by Japan and its European partners to diversify their defense supply chains amid growing security challenges.
The Eurodrone project is currently led by France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, and is tasked with developing a European Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System. The programme, now more than a decade in development, involves Airbus, French fighter manufacturer Dassault Aviation, and Italy’s Leonardo. The first flight of the drone is anticipated before mid-2027. Designed to weigh 11,000 kilograms with a wingspan of 26 meters, the Eurodrone can reach speeds up to 500 km/h and sustain flight for up to 40 hours. It is capable of carrying 2,300 kilograms of armaments, including missiles and laser-guided bombs, while also being equipped for operations in civilian airspace and maritime surveillance.
Germany’s ambassador to Japan, Petra Sigmund, voiced optimism about Japan transitioning from observer status to full participation, emphasizing the complementary technological strengths and the mutual benefits of enhanced interoperability. “We have reached out to Japanese partners to see whether Japan would be willing to join this important project, and we see great interest,” Sigmund said, adding that pooling resources could shorten development timelines and strengthen security ties across Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
Analysts consider the partnership a logical alliance, combining Europe’s desire to expand high-end defense production with Japan’s aim to diversify military technology sources beyond longstanding reliance on the United States. William Yang, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the collaboration as an alignment among like-minded democracies in Asia and Europe seeking to develop advanced drone manufacturing capabilities independent of China’s growing influence.
Japan’s defense industry is renowned for precision manufacturing, making it a valuable partner for the Eurodrone programme. Yang also noted that supply chain diversification has become a priority for Tokyo in light of strains within the U.S. defense sector, fostering growing cooperation not only with European nations but also with allies such as South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
Robert Dujarric, co-director of the Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies at Temple University’s Tokyo campus, said Japanese involvement would bring significant industrial expertise and expand the customer base, thus lowering overall costs. However, he cautioned that past collaborative efforts, such as the Global Combat Air Programme between the UK, Italy, and Japan, had encountered challenges, suggesting future cooperation will require navigating complex industrial and political considerations. Nonetheless, Dujarric sees Japan’s engagement with the Eurodrone as a clear signal that Tokyo remains open to forging dependable new defense partnerships in Europe beyond its traditional ties with the United States.
In a related development, Japan’s defense ministry is accelerating efforts to acquire “interceptor drones,” seeking private sector proposals for systems capable of protecting military installations and vessels. Trials could begin as early as July. Experts point to the war in Ukraine as a pivotal moment underscoring the strategic value of unmanned systems on the modern battlefield. Dujarric observed that the conflict has highlighted how even nations with limited resources can leverage drones to significant effect, reshaping military priorities worldwide.