- Japan’s Ministry of Defense issued a call for proposals covering naval-attack UAVs, high-altitude platforms (HAPS), and satellite terminals for uncrewed systems.
- The effort supports early fielding of advanced technologies, with demonstration deadlines set for FY2026 and operational readiness targeted by FY2027 or FY2032.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense and the Air Staff Office have issued a new round of formal requests for information and proposals as part of an accelerated effort to field next-generation uncrewed systems.
The announcement, dated October 31, 2025, outlines three core technology areas: armed UAVs for naval attack roles, high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), and satellite communication terminals for unmanned platforms.
According to the release, this effort is part of Japan’s broader push toward early adoption of advanced defense technologies that align with the evolving nature of warfare. The Ministry of Defense said the capabilities sought reflect a critical need for platforms that can operate independently of traditional airfields and disrupt enemy functions through advanced sensor and strike packages.
As stated in the request, the envisioned naval-attack UAV must be capable of operation without a runway, using radio detection, image recognition, or laser guidance to engage enemy ships through self-destruction or payload delivery. The Ministry is seeking submissions from entities with demonstrated manufacturing or technical expertise, with the goal of formalizing these systems into deployable equipment.
A separate solicitation covers high-altitude platforms (HAPS) that can remain at altitudes exceeding 20 kilometers for extended durations and support communications relay functions. In this case, the Air Self-Defense Force does not intend to procure the equipment directly, but instead will acquire the necessary services from platform-owning entities. This service-based approach reflects a shift toward flexible procurement models suited to persistent ISR and communication roles in areas where satellite coverage may be degraded or contested.
The third area concerns compact satellite communication terminals for unmanned systems. The Ministry is seeking systems with proven production records that are small enough for UAV integration and support Ka- or Ku-band operations in Japan’s surrounding areas. Notably, integration history with UAVs is not required, as long as the terminal can meet size and frequency requirements.
Each request includes detailed submission categories, marked as either mandatory or optional, and strongly encourages comprehensive responses that allow early deployment decisions without reservation. Among the mandatory fields are domestic production readiness, safety and legal conformity, risk identification, licensing conditions, and intellectual property status. Proposals must also define clear delivery timelines, cost estimates, and roadmaps toward operational service.
As detailed in the documents, concept demonstrations must be completed using prototypes or actual equipment by the end of Japan’s 2026 fiscal year. The Defense Ministry and Self-Defense Forces will evaluate utility and cost-effectiveness to inform procurement decisions. Operational deployment of the initial systems is targeted for no later than FY2027 for some categories and FY2032 for others.