With an eye on China, Japan looks to kamikaze drones and low-cost missiles

Japan plans to introduce a fleet of kamikaze drones and low-cost missiles to boost deterrence against regional threats including China, according to Japanese media reports.The Yomiuri newspaper and Kyodo News Agency reported on Wednesday that the strategy was focused on “integrated attacks” from unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range stand-off missiles, citing government and ruling coalition sources.They said the drones and missiles would be used to break down enemy air defences and counterstrike missile launch bases.The Japanese government is prioritising the development of suicide-style drones or loitering munitions – which fly to a target, crash into it and explode – targeting a range of more than 1,000km (621 miles). The strategy was informed by the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, where low-cost drones have proven pivotal, the Yomiuri reported.It said new types of drones launched from aircraft or submarines, and those that navigate on or below the surface of the water, were being considered to diversify counterstrikes.01:49Taiwan unveils a home-grown ‘kamikaze’ portable attack drone Taiwan unveils a home-grown ‘kamikaze’ portable attack drone The proposal also includes civil aviation components to produce missiles for counterstrikes that would drastically reduce costs and manufacturing times, in preparation for a prolonged conflict.