Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to examine opportunities to develop a version of the U950 Eurodrone tailored for Japanese anti-submarine warfare operations.
The agreement will involve analysis of potential design, development, and commercialisation options for a maritime variant of the remotely piloted aircraft.
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The Eurodrone, which is currently being developed by Germany, France, Italy, and Spain under the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), has Japan as an observer in the programme since 2023.
The uncrewed aerial system (UAS), which can stay airborne longer and carry a heavier mission load, is said to be “ideally suited” for nations like Japan that require extensive maritime surveillance abilities.
According to Airbus, Eurodrone can be equipped to carry sonobuoys and torpedoes for anti-submarine operations.
“With Eurodrone, Japan could complement its current crewed anti-submarine warfare fleet with a very efficient uncrewed platform and strengthen its maritime security in a sovereign and sustainable manner,” Airbus stated.
Looking forward, Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries will discuss the possible configurations of a Japanese Eurodrone, incorporating local sensors and effectors, and exploring industrial participation during the aircraft’s production and support phases.
This collaboration is aimed at ensuring that, if acquired by Japan, the Eurodrone could be operated independently and without restrictions.
According to Airbus, the targeted work with Kawasaki Heavy Industries is designed both to enhance the Eurodrone programme and expand defence ties between Europe and Japan.
Airbus also anticipates that experience gained from the Japanese variant may benefit the development of European naval versions.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries is drawing on its background in maritime patrol aircraft as it explores new concepts in the maritime surveillance and patrol sector.
Through the MoU with Airbus, Kawasaki Heavy Industries plans to study areas where it might contribute to this domain in future cooperation efforts.
The company stated: “Kawasaki will continue to pursue initiatives that may contribute to Japan’s security and to the strengthening of its defence technology and industrial base, while leveraging its technological capabilities.”
The Eurodrone, scheduled for a first flight in 2029, boasts a payload capacity of up to 2.3 tonnes, excluding fuel, and endurance of up to 40 hours.
Intended to be fully compatible with civil airspace operations, it is designed for a broad mission set including intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance, maritime patrol, early warning, signals intelligence, and anti-submarine warfare.
Besides Japan, India is also an observer in the Eurodrone programme.
