Tokyo- Japan – August 14, 2025 –
In a strategic and economic move aimed at expanding its domestic production and challenging China’s near-monopoly in the global drone market, Japan is actively promoting its noncombat drones to developing countries. The initiative is a cornerstone of Japan’s new industrial policy, seeking to position itself as a reliable and secure alternative to Chinese manufacturers, particularly in sensitive sectors such as infrastructure and public safety.
The Japanese government, in close coordination with a consortium of domestic drone manufacturers, has embarked on a series of outreach programs and technology showcases across Asia and Africa. The focus of this campaign is on what officials describe as “dual-use” drones, which can be deployed for a wide array of civilian purposes, including disaster relief, infrastructure inspection, agriculture, and logistics. Japanese companies, such as Terra Drone Corporation, which was recently recognized as a top global drone service provider, are spearheading these efforts. Terra Drone, for instance, has been selected for a government-subsidized program to promote technology transfer in the “Global South,” with a particular focus on the Middle East, to build a new business ecosystem around their Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) systems.
This push is a direct response to a years-long reliance on Chinese-made drones, which have been a source of growing security concern for many nations. While Chinese manufacturers like DJI dominate the global market with their cost-effective solutions, an increasing number of countries are wary of potential security backdoors and data vulnerabilities. Japan is looking to capitalize on this concern by offering its own high-quality, domestically-produced drones as a secure and trusted alternative. A report by IMARC Group estimates that the Japanese drone market, which was valued at $1.8 billion in 2024, is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11.5% through 2033, with much of this growth fueled by government initiatives and a strong focus on domestic production.
The Japanese government’s commitment to nurturing its domestic drone industry is a key component of this strategy. A new bill was introduced to make it easier for drone makers to raise capital, while the government itself is increasing its procurement of domestically-made drones for infrastructure inspections and disaster relief. The Japan Coast Guard, for example, is actively replacing its Chinese-made drones with domestic versions. Furthermore, the “Fukushima Innovation Coast Framework,” a national project to rebuild the region after the 2011 earthquake, is focusing on fostering a local robotics and drone industry. These initiatives are not only aimed at creating jobs and revitalizing regional economies but also at building a robust and resilient domestic supply chain that is less dependent on foreign components.
The types of drones being pitched to developing countries are varied and innovative. At a recent trade show, startups showcased groundbreaking technologies like cardboard drones inspired by origami, which are significantly cheaper and more lightweight than conventional models, making them ideal for humanitarian relief and emergency medical delivery. Companies like Terra Drone have already successfully conducted autonomous drone deliveries in remote areas of Japan, providing medications to elderly residents. These noncombat applications, which prioritize efficiency, safety, and humanitarian aid, are a key selling point for Japan in contrast to the more militarized drone technology being developed and exported by other major powers.
However, the path to competing with China is not without its hurdles. For years, Japan has been a slow adapter of drone technology, and its domestic manufacturers are still relatively small compared to their Chinese counterparts. The cost of Japanese-made drones is also a concern for many developing countries, which often prioritize affordability over security guarantees. Despite these challenges, Japan’s new strategy is a clear signal of its ambition to carve out a significant niche in the global drone market, not just as a technology leader but as a trusted partner in development. The outcome of this ambitious project will not only impact the global drone market but also serve as a crucial test of Japan’s ability to use its technological prowess as a tool of soft power and strategic influence in a rapidly changing world.
