Start News Air Japanese MoD initiates project to develop VTOL UAV for ground forces

Japanese VTOL UAV concept (ATLA) — An ATLA schematic outlining the Japanese MoD’s plan for a VTOL UAV. [ATLA]

Japanese MoD initiates project to develop VTOL UAV for ground forces

Shinichi Kiyotani

3. April 2025

The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) is to begin research and development of a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, the ministry has indicated.

The VTOL UAV is envisaged for operation by Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) units. The detailed specifications such as flight range and payload will be decided in the future design process.

The ministry has requested JPY4.6 billion (EUR 28 million) for the study of the VTOL UAV for FY2025-2027 in the FY2025 budget request. In FY2027-2028 the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) and JGSDF units will conduct tests to verify the study results. The budget for the tests will be requested separately. Serial production will be considered depending on the test results.

For JGSDF operations there is an anticipated demand for VTOL UAVs weighing less than 150 kg. The purpose of the project is focusing more on the operational aspects of using VTOL UAVs rather than the development of a specific airframe. The project will establish an open-architecture and modular design, agile design and manufacturing processes, as well as a methodology for integrating and implementing these features into a range of UAV systems.

The VTOL UAV will be designed to be reconfigurable for multiple missions such as strike, reconnaissance and cargo carrying, all based on a single model to reduce to training and logistical burden of operating it by standardising the airframe, piloting methods and software as much as possible.

According to the MoD official in charge, the UAV is intended to be operated by frontline units at the company or platoon level. The UAV’s mission payload is expected to be around 30 kg, while the airframe is anticipated to be of a fixed-wing type, presumably with propellers for VTOL operations. Additionally, from the perspective of achieving both range and low noise, a hybrid propulsion system combining an engine and battery is considered promising.