In April, the CEO of UFORCE, a Ukrainian manufacturer of attack drones, visited Tokyo to present Japanese officials and defense industry representatives with proposals to produce thousands of drones for regional defense. The visit follows recent deployments of UFORCE technology by U.S. forces, including the use of waterborne drones to sink a ship in a covert exercise near the South China Sea. UFORCE’s maritime drones have also been instrumental in restricting Russian naval operations in parts of the Black Sea.

While East Asia’s maritime environment differs significantly from the Black Sea, UFORCE CEO Oleg Rogynskyy emphasized that the strategic effect of their drones is comparable. The company’s efforts in Japan mark a broader initiative by Ukrainian drone manufacturers to engage with U.S. allies in Asia amid heightened concerns over China’s growing military assertiveness and the potential for conflict involving Taiwan.

This push coincides with increased defense spending by countries such as Japan and Taiwan, which are seeking advanced technologies to bolster their deterrence capabilities. Ukrainian drone firms, including UFORCE, Skyeton, and General Cherry, aim to capitalize on Ukraine’s extensive experience in drone warfare, which has been a key factor in Kyiv’s resistance against Russia since 2022. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated in February that Ukraine is prepared to share drone technologies, particularly maritime drones, with Japan.

Former Japanese Defense Minister and current legislator Itsunori Onodera expressed support for collaboration with Ukrainian companies, citing Japan’s need for defense equipment that has demonstrated operational effectiveness. In 2024, Japan relaxed its longstanding restrictions on arms exports, paving the way for potential industrial partnerships in drone production. Ukrainian firms have reportedly conducted at least one demonstration of drone technology, including products from the company Swarmer, for Japanese military observers.

However, sources involved in the discussions described ongoing talks with Japanese officials as preliminary and exploratory. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has publicly acknowledged the risk of Japan becoming involved in a conflict over Taiwan, where Beijing has not ruled out military action to assert control. China’s frequent military exercises near Taiwan have heightened regional tensions.

Separately, executives from three Ukrainian drone manufacturers and a drone association indicated they are also exploring opportunities in Taiwan, although they remain cautious due to the absence of formal diplomatic relations between Kyiv and Taipei. The United States, required by law to provide Taiwan with defensive capabilities, views drones as a critical component of the island’s military preparedness. Adm. Samuel Paparo, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command chief, highlighted their importance in any potential response to aggression in the region.