Japan Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Market Assessment, By Wing Type, By Class, By Application, By Mode of Operation, By Maximum Take Off Weight, By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, FY2018-FY2032F

Japan unmanned aerial vehicle market is expected to observe a CAGR of 13.33% during the forecast period FY2025- FY2032, rising from USD 1.41 billion in FY2024 to USD 3.84 billion in FY2032. Major drivers propelling the market include technological developments, favorable regulations, rise in commercial applications, infrastructure investment, public-private partnerships, and greater business knowledge of the potential advantages.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) hold immense potential to revolutionize both urban and rural infrastructure and improve agricultural productivity in Japan. Drones are considered a potential solution to infrastructure concerns, particularly in developing areas where air travel could assist in overcoming the difficulties presented by inadequate or non-existent rail and road networks. As a result, as drone technologies evolve and advance, more manufacturers will produce sophisticated drones, which will fuel market expansion in the forecast years.

Advancement In Monitoring Capabilities to Influence Market Growth

The market is expected to grow as organizations can effectively monitor difficult-to-reach areas by using unmanned aerial vehicles. UAVs fitted with cameras and additional sensors provide continuous observation of infrastructure and target areas without endangering human safety. According to government authorities in charge of border security, UAVs are helpful for continuous observation of large border areas. Drones assist forest departments in closely monitoring poaching activity and forest fires. Drones are used by the electricity industry to examine wind turbines and transmission lines that are situated offshore or in the mountains. Drones have been proven useful for the construction industry in tracking the progress in challenging terrain. More businesses and government organizations are anticipated to use UAVs in their operations due to their benefits over manned aircraft or helicopters when it comes to carrying out monitoring jobs in challenging environments. In the upcoming years, this is anticipated to increase demand for UAV and fixed-wing drones with new-technology cameras.

For instance, in April 2024, NTT Communications and Obayashi Corporation successfully conducted a demonstration test in Tokyo using Skydio Dock and Remote Ops with Skydio 2+ for unmanned drone patrols. The results showed a significant reduction in the required time from one hour to ten minutes over three months and 56 patrol missions. The autonomous, remotely operated, and dock-based drone systems were able to safely conduct pre-planned missions from remote locations, with automatic takeoff/landing and power recharging.

Central Region Has the Highest Market Share

Japan's UAV market is thriving, with the central region playing a pivotal role. Drone adoption is greatly aided by cities with a strong tech presence, such as in Nagoya and Kanto. The expansion in this field is driven by businesses, individuals, and research institutes. UAVs have multiple applications such as mapping, surveillance, and aerial photography. The dominance of the central region in Japan's general UAV environment is apparent by the local laws guarantees for safe and responsible use of UAVs.

Defense Sector Dominate the Market Share

Japan's self-defense forces are updating their current fleet of helicopters with unmanned aerial vehicles in response to the growing geopolitical tensions. SDF intends to purchase long-range unmanned aerial vehicles and marine vessels under Japan's Defense Buildup Program. These vehicles can effortlessly target enemy drones and planes while conducting ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) operations. Due to Japan's susceptibility to natural disasters, more sophisticated drones equipped with thermal sensors and cameras are anticipated to be needed for search and rescue operations. Throughout the projected period, market development is anticipated to be fueled by the growing cooperation between private sector businesses and the Japanese government in utilizing AI for UAVs.

For instance, in January 2024, SECOM Co., Ltd. developed the SECOM DRONE XX (Double X), a security drone using artificial intelligence for patrol and intrusion monitoring. The first of its kind in Japan, it is set to be released in spring 2024. The Japanese government is advocating for an aerial industrial revolution with small-scale unmanned aerial vehicles, which are being used in various fields such as inspections, surveying, agriculture, and logistics.

With a challenging regional security environment, Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) is embracing the expanding role of unmanned systems in battle. Plans for long-range UAVs, ship-borne assets for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and targeting, and transportation drones for remote bases and scattered units, are outlined in the Defense Buildup Program. By 2035, the SDF intends to deploy loyal wingman-type unmanned aerial vehicles that can work with Japan's next-generation fighter planes.

Government Indicative for Drone Pilot License

To create a model-specific drone pilot license, Blue Innovation, ACSL, Eams Robotics, Liberaware, and Prodrone have teamed up with the Japanese UAS Industrial Development Association (JUIDA). The goal of this program is to give pilots the ability to control various drone models. The MoU will start with drone innovators and firms in Japan and will include overseas manufacturers working with local agents. The current drone license covers general skills, excluding operation methods needed for various models. The project's goal is to establish a new standard for drone training by using special models and the abilities needed to control them. JUIDA will concentrate on creating new regulations, training curricula tailored to individual models, certification for flying schools, and instructor training.

Future Market Scenario (FY2025 - FY2032F)

Unmanned aerial vehicles are a crucial component of unmanned warfare systems, as highlighted by Japan's Defense Ministry. The National Security Strategy is one of three security papers that mention UAVs as one of the seven pillars to increase defense capabilities. Japan is increasing efforts in UAV force construction through three aspects, uplifting budgets, investing in the Defense Buildup Program, and procuring unmanned equipment. The new Defense Buildup Program aims to invest approx. USD 7 billion (JPY 1 trillion) in UAV force construction for five years from 2023, a significant increase from the previous budget of approx. USD 0.7 billion (JPY 100 billion).

In January 2023, to maximize personnel assignment, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) formed its first dedicated Unmanned Aerial Vehicle unit. In the next five years, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) will absorb another specialized UAV force, while the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) intends to create a multipurpose UAV aviation team. Japan intends to acquire long-endurance UAV systems, speed the development and installation of domestic UAVs, and expand unmanned combat capabilities in air, ground, and maritime.

The Japanese government plans to end the ban on drones accessing 5G high-speed wireless communications networks in FY2024. It will enable drones to transmit 4K high-definition video and images. However, the government aims to prevent interference by narrowing down frequency bands and radio wave output for drone use. Japan's growing manufacturing industry and increased corporate and startup investment will make it a one-stop destination for foreign investors in the UAV market in Japan.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Japan's UAV market features key players, set for growth due to advancements in technology and increasing applications in agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and disaster management. Government support and favorable regulations are enhancing the market's outlook, driving innovation and expansion.

For instance, in February 2024, Ball Aerospace was recently acquired by BAE Systems from Ball Corporation. With this acquisition, the company's portfolio of goods and services gained access to industry-leading space, research, and defense capabilities.

Similarly, in December 2023, ACSL, the largest drone maker in Japan provided Aeroarc fund worth approx. USD 4.7 million (INR 40 crore) for India. The strategic alliance has a two-year objective of USD 30 million to boost India's robotics and unmanned systems supply chain.

For instance, in October 2023, Nileworks launched a domestic autonomous flight drone called Nile-JZ. This drone is capable of variable spraying, reducing environmental impacts. Based on the High-Specifications Drone Development Consortium's aircraft, it incorporates Nileworks' unique autonomous flight technology and is compatible with Network RTK. The operational efficiency is increased by 20%, allowing for a more precise and higher altitude spraying, making it suitable for those without farming experience or advanced piloting skills.