- Japan’s defense procurement agency ATLA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are developing a modular unmanned surface vessel for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, with completion targeted by the end of 2027.
- The USV is designed to support logistics, sensors, air defense, and long-range strike missions through containerized modules and the ability to carry other unmanned systems.
On December 19, 2025, Japanese Defense Ministry Parliamentary Vice-Minister Yohei Wakabayashi visited the Ship Equipment Research Institute of the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency to inspect testing and evaluation facilities, including a large-scale water tank and a flow noise simulator.
According to a statement released by Japan’s Ministry of Defense, Wakabayashi toured multiple experimental facilities used for evaluating naval platforms and underwater systems. He also held discussions with the institute’s leadership and encouraged staff working on advanced maritime technologies.
The Ship Equipment Research Institute is responsible for maintaining and developing foundational technologies related to surface vessels and underwater weapons. Its research areas include hull structures, propulsion systems, acoustic and magnetic equipment, and maritime unmanned systems, as noted by the ministry.
During the visit, Wakabayashi was also briefed on a project to develop an unmanned surface vessel for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The project is being pursued by the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency, which is collaborating with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
The unmanned surface vessel program was first presented in the summer of this year as a joint effort between ATLA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. According to project information shared during the visit, the USV is expected to be developed by the end of 2027.
Japanese officials describe the vessel as a modular platform designed to support a wide range of missions. The modular architecture would allow the ship to be reconfigured depending on operational needs, including logistics support for remote outposts or combat roles.
Under the concept, the unmanned ship could carry defensive systems such as air defense weapons and various sensor packages. It could also be equipped with offensive strike capabilities, including long-range missile systems, cruise missiles, and anti-ship missiles, housed in modular containers.
In addition to carrying weapons and sensors, the USV is designed to operate as a host platform for other unmanned systems. According to the project outline, it could deploy and recover unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned maritime systems, enabling it to perform a broad range of missions such as surveillance, logistics, force protection, and strike operations.
The modular USV concept reflects a broader push to create flexible platforms that can be rapidly adapted without building multiple specialized vessels.
The Ship Equipment Research Institute plays a central role in this effort by testing technologies that support low observability, endurance, acoustic performance, and integration of unmanned systems. Facilities such as the large water tank and flow noise simulator are used to evaluate hull designs and propulsion concepts that reduce detectability and improve efficiency.
According to the Ministry of Defense, Wakabayashi’s visit was intended to review ongoing research, assess progress on future naval platforms, and underscore government support for defense research personnel.