By Zi Ge

子歌

File photo shows a Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) member adjusting and testing a drone during an exercise.

日本自卫队队员在演习中调试无人机。

Japan's Ministry of Defense has decided to procure approximately 310 small suicide drones by 2027 and deploy them to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) units assigned to missions in the southwest to destroy potential adversaries' vehicles, ships, and other targets, according to Japanese media reports. The large-scale procurement and deployment of attack drones by the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) highlight a shift in its defense strategy toward a more proactive offensive approach.

据日本媒体报道，日本防卫省决定在2027年前采购约310架小型自杀式无人机，部署到陆上自卫队西南方向相关任务部队，用于摧毁潜在作战对手的车辆、舰船等目标。日本自卫队大批量采购部署进攻型无人机，凸显其防卫战略向主动进攻方向调整。

Arming the units in the southwest

装备西南方向任务部队

Considering the extensive use and effective combat performance of drones in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Japanese Ministry of Defense believes it is necessary to accelerate the deployment of attack drones and expedite the selection and procurement process, according to Japan's The Sankei Shimbun. It is reported that Japan's Ministry of Defense has allocated 3.2 billion yen (approximately USD 20.6 million) in the 2026 defense budget for the purchase of small suicide drones.

据日本《产经新闻》报道，考虑到无人机在俄乌冲突中大量投入使用，并取得较好的实战效果，日本防卫省认为有必要加紧部署进攻型无人机，并尽快启动遴选和采购程序。报道称，日本防卫省在2026年防卫预算案中列入32亿日元（约合2060万美元）采购经费，用于购买小型自杀式无人机。

The report also mentioned that the drones will be assigned to the JGSDF units responsible for the so-called "island seizure" operations and remote island defense in the southwest. It is reported that units under the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade stationed at Sasebo Naval Base in Nagasaki Prefecture may be among the first to receive these drones. In future "island seizure" operations, Japan's amphibious forces could use small suicide drones as a supplementary firepower option for coastal defense missile systems or anti-landing equipment to conduct precision strikes on key targets.

报道称，日本防卫省计划将新采购的小型自杀式无人机，分配给陆上自卫队西南方向担负所谓“夺岛”作战和离岛防卫的任务部队。据悉，驻守长崎县佐世保基地的水陆机动团下属连队或将成为首批无人机配属部队。未来，在所谓“离岛夺控”作战场景中，两栖力量可操作小型自杀式无人机作为岸舰导弹系统或反登陆装备的火力补充，对重要目标进行精确攻击。

Accelerating unmanned warfare plans

加速推进无人作战计划

In recent years, Japan has placed great emphasis on the application of unmanned weapon systems and prioritized the development of unmanned combat capabilities as a key focus for defense capability enhancement over the next decade. The three security policy documents approved by the Japanese Ministry of Defense in December 2022 specify that approximately 1 trillion yen will be invested in drone force development over five years starting from 2023. In its 2026 defense budget, in addition to funds allocated for small suicide drones, 41.5 billion yen has been allocated for large maritime surveillance drones, and 4 billion yen for shipborne drones.

近年来，日本高度重视无人化武器装备运用，将发展无人作战能力作为未来10年防卫能力发展重点。日本防卫省2022年12月通过的3份安保政策文件明确，将从2023年开始的5年里，为无人机力量建设投入约1万亿日元。在2026年防卫预算中，日本防卫省除划拨资金采购小型自杀式无人机外，还列支415亿日元用于采购执行海上监视任务的大型无人机，划拨40亿日元用于采购舰载无人机等。

Currently, Japan's Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces are all accelerating the deployment of drones. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) announced in November 2024 that it would introduce 23 US-made Sea Guardian drones to enhance maritime reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) established a Global Hawk reconnaissance aviation unit in 2023 with 130 personnel responsible for operating and maintaining large drones. The JGSDF also plans to gradually increase the number of attack drones. After the small suicide drones are put into service, JGSDF will consider the deployment of large drones.

目前，日本陆、海、空自卫队都在加紧部署无人机。日本海上自卫队于2024年11月宣布，将引进23架美制“海上卫士”无人机，用于提高海上侦察监视和情报收集能力。日本航空自卫队于2023年组建“全球鹰”无人侦察航空队，并列编130名人员，负责保障和操控大型无人机。日本陆上自卫队计划分阶段提升攻击型无人机装备数量，此次计划采购的小型自杀式无人机列装后，还将考虑部署大型无人机。

Analysts believe that Japan has multiple considerations behind its accelerated deployment of attack drones.

分析认为，日本加紧推进攻击型无人机部署，有多重考量。

First, it can enhance combat deterrence. In recent years, suicide drones and integrated reconnaissance-strike drones have played a prominent role in regional conflicts. With the advancement of swarm and artificial intelligence technologies, drones have become a crucial factor in modern warfare. Against this backdrop, the Japanese Ministry of Defense has abandoned its previous mixed approach of self-development and procurement. Instead, it chose rapid deployment to strengthen its deterrence capabilities.

一是加强作战威慑。近年来，在局部冲突中，自杀式无人机和察打一体无人机的作用凸显，尤其在蜂群技术、人工智能技术加持下，无人机已成为影响战争形态的重要武器。在此情况下，日本防卫省放弃原有半采购半自研方案，寻求尽快部署，意图提高威慑能力。

Second, it can reduce manpower requirements. The JSDF has long faced challenges in recruiting personnel. Drones can perform reconnaissance, positioning and fire guidance tasks, which can significantly reduce the need for human resources and minimize casualties.

二是降低人力需求。日本自卫队长期面临兵员招募困难等问题，无人机可完成侦察、定位、炮火引导等任务，大幅降低人力配备，并减少己方人员伤亡。

Third, it can lower costs. Japan considers traditional weapon systems such as fighter jets and reconnaissance aircraft to be expensive both in procurement and maintenance. Drones are much cheaper and can effectively strike high-value targets such as tanks and warships, making them a cost-effective option.

三是减少成本支出。日本认为，战斗机、侦察机等传统武器装备成本高昂且维护费用较高，无人机采购成本低廉，可以用较小代价打击敌方坦克、舰船等高价值目标，性价比较高。

Japan's large-scale procurement and deployment of attack drones indicate that Japan is stepping up the deployment of offensive weapons. The JSDF is gradually transitioning from a defensive force to an offensive one, a development that warrants close attention and vigilance.

从日本防卫省大批量采购部署进攻型无人机可以看出，日本正加紧部署进攻型武器，日本自卫队逐渐由防御型向进攻型转变，相关动向值得关注和警惕。