From hybrid transport drones to autonomous surveillance systems ¡ª 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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