
Japan Shows Interest in Purchasing Israeli-Made Drone
The Japanese military is considering acquiring the Heron-2 unmanned aerial vehicle from Israel Aerospace Industries. A Heron-2 recently photographed in Japan bore Israeli registration and markings from Kawasaki Heavy Industries, which has partnered with IAI.
This marks Japan's first documented test of an Israeli weapons platform. While Japan has bought defense components from Israel before, it has traditionally refrained from direct procurement due to the Arab boycott. That stance has shifted in recent years, with defense cooperation agreements signed in 2020.
The Heron-2, known as "Shoval" in the Israeli Air Force, is capable of long-endurance missions for reconnaissance, strike, and electronic warfare. Japan, facing manpower shortages in its armed forces, is seeking to boost unmanned capabilities and is also comparing the Heron-2 with the Turkish Bayraktar drone.
(JPost/VFI News)
"Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle." – Psalm 144:1