In December 2022, the Japanese government changed the country's defense policy, indicating that the state has faced "the most difficult and dangerous security situation" since World War II. In this regard, it was envisaged to build up military capabilities aimed at fighting China as the "greatest strategic challenge" and North Korea as "a more serious and imminent threat than it was before."
It was noted that in order to confront these countries, Japan is not enough to have anti-missile defense. It was pointed out the need to equip the troops with reconnaissance and strike drones. Then the local media indicated that in terms of attack UAVs, we are talking about the choice between the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 and the American MQ-9 Reaper.
The issue of their acquisition begins to move into a practical plane. As noted in SavunmaSanayiST, Tokyo has decided to start testing the Bayraktar TB2 and Reaper. In an effort to build on its success in a potential market, the manufacturer has already said that the TB3 version, which is expected to first fly soon, will be optimally suited to be placed on Izumo-type helicopter carriers, as it has folding wings.