Japan considers purchase of Israeli Heron-2 drone

The Japanese military is weighing the purchase of the Israeli-made Heron-2 drone, a platform developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and already in service with the Israeli Air Force.

Recent photographs taken at a Japanese airport show a Heron-2 bearing an Israeli registration number and stickers from Kawasaki Heavy Industries, which has a cooperation agreement with IAI. This is the first documented instance of an Israeli weapon system being openly tested in Japan.

While Japan has previously acquired components from Israeli defense companies mostly from IAI it has not purchased full platforms until now. For decades, Tokyo refrained from direct security ties with Israel due to the Arab boycott. That began to change in 2020, when the defense ministries of both countries signed agreements granting Japan access to classified Israeli weapon systems.

Japan has a strong domestic defense industry, producing its own variant of the American F-16, transport aircraft, and training planes. It is also collaborating with the UK on a next-generation stealth fighter. Kawasaki, best known in Israel for its motorcycles and ATVs, manufactures transport aircraft and maritime patrol planes for the Japanese Air Force.

The Heron-2, known as Shoval in Israel, is a medium-sized drone with long endurance capabilities. In the Israeli Air Force, it is used for reconnaissance, strike missions, and electronic warfare. The unit spotted in Japan was configured for electronic warfare roles. The Heron-2 has seen operational service in Iran and is already exported to countries such as India.

Japan’s interest comes amid a significant military expansion, spurred by China’s growing regional influence. The country has launched its first aircraft carriers since World War II and is investing in unmanned systems to offset a manpower shortage caused by declining birth rates. Japan’s population of about 120 million is projected to drop below 100 million in the coming decades.

If Japan proceeds with the acquisition, Kawasaki is expected to manufacture the Heron-2 locally. The drone is being evaluated alongside the Turkish Bayraktar, a rival platform that has become one of the best-selling drones in its class.

From the deserts of the Middle East to the skies over the Pacific, Israel’s defense innovations continue to attract global interest. Share this story or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on Israel’s technological breakthroughs.