Japan studies Ukraine’s battlefield technology as it revises defence plans
A Japanese parliamentary delegation has visited Kyiv to examine lessons from Ukraine’s war with Russia, including drone warfare, missile defence and cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. The findings are expected to inform planned updates to Japan’s key security documents by the end of the year.
Japan is drawing on Ukraine’s experience of war with Russia as Tokyo considers changes to its defence capabilities and security strategy. Itsunori Onodera, a senior ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker and former defence minister, arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday with a delegation of Japanese lawmakers. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said he met officials including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Sybiha said Ukraine was ready to pursue mutually beneficial cooperation with Japan, using its experience and capabilities to identify areas where the two countries could strengthen each other’s security. The two sides also agreed on the need to increase pressure on Moscow, including action against sanctions evasion. The Yomiuri newspaper reported that the delegation was examining fast-changing drone technology used on the battlefield and the extent of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
Its findings are expected to contribute to Japan’s planned revisions of its National Security Strategy, National Defence Strategy and Defence Buildup Programme, with formal updates expected by the end of the year. Grant Newsham of the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies said Ukraine’s combat experience was particularly relevant to Japan in the fields of drones and unmanned vehicles. He said Tokyo was also interested in Ukraine’s experience with missile defences and attack drones.
Japan is cooperating directly with Ukrainian drone developers. In March, Japanese company Terra Drone acquired majority stakes in the Ukrainian start-ups Amazing Drones and WinnyLab to co-develop interceptor drones. Analysts also pointed to the cost of modern air defence.
Michito Tsuruoka of Keio University said using expensive missiles against relatively cheap attack drones was not sustainable. Ukraine has responded by developing lower-cost interceptor drones and other local solutions. The visit also reflects Japanese concern about closer military ties between Russia and North Korea.
Analysts said North Korea’s capabilities had improved in areas including missiles, naval operations, cyber activity and electronic warfare, creating additional concerns for Japanese and US planners.
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