What is the Eurodrone and why does Japan want an ASW version?

The U950 Eurodrone is a large European RPAS jointly developed by Germany, France, Italy, and Spain under OCCAR. Japan is interested in an ASW variant because it needs long-endurance unmanned platforms — capable of carrying sonobuoys and torpedoes — to monitor its extensive surrounding waters and track submarine activity, complementing its existing Kawasaki P-1 manned patrol aircraft.

How does the Eurodrone compare to the MQ-9B SeaGuardian already used by Japan?

The General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGuardian is already operated by the Japan Coast Guard and is considered Eurodrone's main competitor. Airbus positions the Eurodrone as a higher-payload alternative, offering up to 2.3 tonnes of mission payload and 40 hours of endurance, with the added ability to carry anti-submarine weapons beyond sensors alone.

When will the Eurodrone have its first flight?

The Eurodrone's first flight has been pushed back to 2029, delayed from the original 2027 target. Airbus confirmed the updated schedule at ILA Berlin in June 2026, while also reaffirming that France remains a committed programme partner despite earlier reports of a potential withdrawal.

Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Partner to Study…

Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Partner to Study Japan-Specific ASW Variant of Eurodrone

Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly study an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) version of the U950 Eurodrone tailored for Japan. The maritime drone would carry sonobuoys and torpedoes, offer up to 40 hours of endurance, and complement the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's existing manned patrol aircraft fleet.

20 days ago

Highlights

Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries signed an MoU at ILA Berlin 2026 to jointly study a Japan-specific ASW variant of the U950 Eurodrone.

The proposed maritime drone would carry sonobuoys and torpedoes, support up to 2.3 tonnes of mission payload, and achieve up to 40 hours of endurance.

The variant is designed to complement — not replace — the JMSDF's Kawasaki P-1 manned patrol aircraft, which monitors suspected Chinese submarine activity near Japan's southern island chain.

Eurodrone's first flight has been rescheduled from 2027 to 2029; France confirmed it remains a partner in the four-nation programme despite earlier withdrawal concerns.

Japan has been an observer in the Eurodrone programme since 2023; its inclusion as an export customer would help consolidate the broader programme.

Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly study a Japan-specific anti-submarine warfare (ASW) version of the U950 Eurodrone. Japan has participated in the European Remotely Piloted Aircraft System programme as an observer since 2023.

Under the terms of the MoU, Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries will work together to define design, development, and commercialisation options for a maritime variant of the drone. This includes identifying possible configuration options, integrating Japanese-made sensors and effectors, and planning workshare arrangements for Japanese industry during production and sustainment phases. Airbus stated that the objective is to ensure Japan can operate the platform autonomously and without restrictions should it decide to procure the system.

A New Unmanned Layer for Japan's ASW Capabilities

The Eurodrone would be equipped to carry sonobuoys and torpedoes, and capable of extended loitering operations. Airbus considers these characteristics well-suited to monitoring the vast maritime areas surrounding Japan. The unmanned platform is intended to complement — not replace — Tokyo's existing manned aircraft fleet. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) currently operates the domestically developed Kawasaki P-1 patrol aircraft, which has been deployed near the southern island chain to track suspected Chinese submarine activity.

Japan is not new to unmanned maritime surveillance. The Japan Coast Guard already operates the General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGuardian, a platform widely regarded as Eurodrone's primary competitor. Airbus is positioning its system as a higher-payload alternative capable of carrying not only sensors but also ASW weaponry.

An Export Opportunity Amid Programme Adjustments

Airbus markets the Eurodrone as a four-nation joint programme involving Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, managed by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), with India also holding observer status.

Reports of a potential French withdrawal emerged in April 2026 after France's revised military programming law omitted funding for Eurodrone procurement. However, Airbus stated at ILA Berlin in June 2026 that France remains a committed partner and that the programme retains its four-nation structure. Adding Japan as an export customer would help further consolidate the overall programme.

On the timeline front, the first flight has been rescheduled to 2029, slipping from the original 2027 target. Airbus states the aircraft can carry up to 2.3 tonnes of mission payload and achieve up to 40 hours of endurance. The company also noted that development work on the Japanese variant could feed back into future naval variant development efforts for the European Eurodrone.

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Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Partner to Study Japan-Specific ASW Variant of Eurodrone

Highlights

A New Unmanned Layer for Japan's ASW Capabilities

An Export Opportunity Amid Programme Adjustments

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