Airbus has signed an agreement with Kawasaki Heavy Industries to study a Japanese anti-submarine warfare (ASW) version of the U950 Eurodrone.
The project will examine how the aircraft can be adapted for Japan’s maritime security needs. It will also explore deeper industrial cooperation between the two companies.
The study includes integrating Japanese-made sensors and weapons into the aircraft. It also covers local production, maintenance, and long-term support inside Japan. This approach would allow Japan to operate and sustain the platform independently if it decides to acquire it.
Japan joined the multinational Eurodrone program as an observer in 2023. The aircraft is expected to complete its first flight in 2029. The latest agreement marks another step in Japan’s closer involvement with the European program.
Eurodrone for Long Maritime Missions
The Eurodrone is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft built for a wide range of military missions. It can stay airborne for up to 40 hours and carry mission payloads weighing up to 2.3 tonnes. Its long flight time makes it suitable for continuous surveillance over large ocean areas.
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For anti-submarine operations, the aircraft can carry sonobuoys that detect underwater activity. It can also deploy lightweight torpedoes against hostile submarines when required. These capabilities enable the drone to support crewed maritime patrol aircraft on long, demanding missions.
Airbus said the platform can strengthen Japan’s existing anti-submarine fleet by adding an efficient uncrewed capability. It is designed to improve maritime surveillance while reducing the burden on crewed aircraft. The company also said the aircraft is built to operate safely in civilian airspace and over open waters.
Eurodrone Program Expands
The Eurodrone program began in 2016 through cooperation between France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Leonardo are jointly developing the aircraft to give Europe its own advanced military drone. The program also aims to reduce dependence on imported systems such as the US-built MQ-9B.
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In addition to anti-submarine warfare, the Eurodrone is designed for intelligence gathering, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance, early warning, signals intelligence, and maritime patrol. Its flexible design allows operators to switch between different mission types using specialized payloads. This makes it suitable for both military and security operations.
India and Japan currently hold observer status in the Eurodrone program. Airbus said cooperation with Kawasaki could also support future European naval versions of the aircraft while strengthening defense ties between Europe and Japan.
