The 'European Drone' project involving France, Germany, Italy, and Spain faces issues related to costs and progress. Additionally, Europe is determined to reduce its dependence on China. Meanwhile, the Japanese government has been frequently collaborating with the United States and Europe in an effort to promote militarization again.
Thus, Japan and Europe seem to have “quickly hit it off” in terms of cooperation on drones.
According to a report by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post on June 16, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe is scheduled to meet with leaders of the G7 group in France. Japan's potential participation is likely to be included in the agenda. Analysts say that for countries involved in the 'European drone' project, Japan is a 'natural partner.' By leveraging Japan's technological advantages, Japan can 'disengage from dependence on China' and develop alternative supply chains for military equipment.
Recently, German Ambassador to Japan Petra Sigmund said in an interview with Japanese media that she is confident that Japan will participate in the development of “European drones”. Japan is currently an observer in this project.
We have already established partnerships with Japanese companies to understand their interest in joining this important project. We've seen strong enthusiasm from the Japanese side, and it is imperative that we leverage our capabilities and resources to potentially shorten the timeline and enhance interoperability between drones and other defense systems." She further added that security in Europe and the "Indo-Pacific" region are becoming increasingly intertwined.
"European Drone" model, stock photo
The “European Drone” project was led by Airbus as the main contractor, with the participation of the Organization for Conventional Armed Forces Research and Cooperation (OCCAR), France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. It also involved Airbus Spain, Dassault Aviation, and Leonardo. The project was launched in 2015.
Public information shows that in 2024, the preliminary design review (PDR) for this project was completed. The drone weighs approximately 10 tons, with an effective payload of 2.3 tons. It has a wingspan of 26 meters, a length of 16 meters, and a height of 6 meters. The power system consists of two “catalyst” turboprop engines provided by GE Italy’s Avio Aero division.
However, there were reports earlier that France had intended to withdraw from the ‘European Drone’ project, due to ongoing concerns regarding costs, delays, and operational suitability. According to reports, France estimated that the weight of the drone is almost twice that of the American MQ9 ‘Reaper’ drone, and its progress has been delayed by about four years. It is expected that the drone will not be put into use until at least 2030.
Therefore, analysts told The South China Morning Post that European-Japanese contacts reflect a match between the two sides' needs: Europe needs more high-end defense production partners, while Japan is seeking to expand its military technology sources.
I think this is a kind of alliance,” said William Yang, an international crisis organization analyst. “Japan obviously possesses one of the most advanced industrial sectors in Asia, renowned for precision manufacturing, and for those who hope to break free from China-dependent economies and achieve economic diversification, Japan is obviously a natural partner.”
William Yang also mentioned that Japan is also keen on developing new military alliances in order to achieve its goal of 'diversifying its supply chain'.
He stated that traditionally, Japan has relied on the United States in the military field. However, currently, 'the U.S. defense industry is clearly under supply pressure due to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.' Japan is seeking cooperation with other countries in order to reduce the risk of excessive reliance on U.S. production capabilities.
Recently, there were reports that U.S. Defense Secretary Hagel told Japan over the phone that the delivery of hundreds of Tomahawk cruise missiles would be delayed. This oral notice from the United States has ruined Japan's plans. Analysts point out that strategically, Japan intends to use these U.S. weapons to deter China and North Korea. However, some experts assert that Japan's deterrence against China is limited.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lin Jian, previously stated that the current high-ranking government is vigorously developing the military industry, and now openly claims to be preparing for a long-term war. Historically, Japan has provoked wars and invaded other countries. Now, it is creating what it calls 'tensions.' Is this a repetition of past mistakes, leading Japan down the path of 're-militarization' and becoming another source of trouble in East Asia?
June 14th, Geneva, Switzerland: Demonstrators held protests against the G7 Summit. Oriental IC
Robert Dujarik, a professor at Temple University's Tokyo campus in the United States, believes that Japan's participation in this project would be a wise move. "Such projects require extensive industrial expertise and capabilities, which Japan can provide. However, it would also expand the client base for completing the project, thereby reducing overall costs and establishing closer military-technical ties with non-US countries."
He expects that if Japan joins the “European Drone” project as a formal partner, this will open the door for Japan to participate in other manned and unmanned projects across Europe, both on land, at sea, and in the air.
But Dugairik mentioned that in the past, military cooperation between Japan and Europe faced difficulties.
Recently, the British media The Daily Telegraph reported that due to a shortage of defense funds in the UK, the "Global Combat Air Plan" project involving joint development of sixth-generation fighter jets by Japan, the UK, and Italy faces a risk of being delayed. Experts say that Japanese defense and security officials are extremely frustrated and disappointed, as Japan's existing fighter jet capabilities are quite outdated and need to be replaced urgently.
