Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) has selected Terra Drone’s locally developed interceptor drone as a “test article” for its Interceptor Drone Rapid Acquisition Programme.
Demonstration testing is scheduled for this month, as ATLA accelerates efforts to deploy counter- uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) systems amid a growing regional drone threat.
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The selection followed a competitive review of proposals from 38 companies, with ATLA shortlisting Terra Drone’s submission for the next phase of evaluation.
According to the company, the agency’s programme aims to move from proposal to demonstration within nearly three months.
During the demonstration phase, Terra Drone’s system will be assessed for flight performance, autonomous operation, shipboard compatibility, and communications and control functions.
The trials are designed with a focus on potential integration into Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force operations.
The initiative requires that any selected interceptor drone must be Japanese-made and supported by a domestic production base.
The measure is intended to ensure stable supply during sustained operations, an issue underscored by the high rate of drone usage and losses observed in the Ukraine conflict.
Japan’s government launched the Interceptor Drone Rapid Acquisition Programme on 5 June 2026, amid heightened concerns over uncrewed aircraft activities in the region.
China has increased UAV operations near Japanese airspace, with types such as the WL-10 and GJ-2 appearing in fiscal year 2024. Separately, Russia has scaled up production of drones based on the Shahed design for regional use.
According to Terra Drone, the programme specifically seeks to address the threat from long-range, one-way attack UAVs such as the Shahed, by enhancing the Japan Self-Defence Force’s ability to defend bases, camps, vessels, and other critical sites.
The company’s submission included not only its interceptor drone’s technical capabilities, but also a comprehensive operational support plan covering rapid deployment, maintenance, logistics, and training.
The upcoming demonstration will evaluate core functions such as range and guidance, as well as operational resilience, shipboard deployment, ability to engage multiple threats, and fail-safes in case of communications loss.
To bolster its expertise, Terra Drone has recently announced intentions to consolidate two Ukrainian interceptor drone companies as subsidiaries.
The companies have developed and operated interceptor drones under combat conditions in Ukraine, reportedly achieving successful intercepts against drones modelled after the Shahed.
As preparations lead up to the upcoming demonstration, Terra Drone stated it is ramping up both production and operational support capabilities to enable swift movement to volume acquisition if the system meets ATLA requirements.
Terra Drone said: “By combining the operational foundation of its group companies, which have accumulated experience under combat conditions in Ukraine, with its capabilities as a Japanese company in domestic supply and regulatory compliance, Terra Drone will contribute to strengthening Japan’s air defence capabilities while further expanding its defence business.”
The company has not specified which drone model was submitted for the Interceptor Drone Rapid Acquisition Programme.
However, information published on Terra Drone’s website suggests that the Terra A2, a long-range interceptor aligns with the programme’s stated requirements.
The company’s defence portfolio also includes the Terra A1, which is intended for short-range interception.
According to Terra Drone, the Terra A2 features a maximum flight time of 40 minutes, a top speed of 312km/h, a maximum range of 75km, and an operating altitude of 5,000 meters.
The platform is equipped with both day and night (thermal) cameras and carries a 750-gram fragmentation-high explosive warhead, launched via catapult.
