Japan Defense Ministry to support startups in UAV development

The Japanese Defense Ministry intends to launch a new contract system to aid startups in creating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other innovative products, aiming to incorporate cutting-edge technologies into defense equipment. The system involves evaluating participating companies at each stage, from planning development to demonstrating the products, with payments made for necessary expenses at each step, according to a Friday announcement. Interested startups can submit applications starting in early October.

By supporting the development efforts of startups, which often encounter financial limitations, the ministry hopes to enhance the integration of innovative technologies and ideas into defense equipment. The ministry plans to utilize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract system, which is already utilized by the internal affairs and health ministries.

The Defense Ministry has established three research and development objectives: creating low-cost UAVs utilizing domestically produced components to the greatest extent possible, improving operational efficiency and labor-saving in supply warehouses, and reducing aircraft noise to enhance the working environment at bases.

Under the SBIR system, contracts will be awarded to multiple companies simultaneously, with expenses paid based on the progress of submitted plans. During the screening process, the ministry will select candidates that better satisfy its requirements, narrowing down the pool of potential partners. Traditionally, defense equipment development can take several years, with payments made only upon project completion.

However, Shinjiro Koizumi, the Defense Minister, emphasized during a recent news conference that "technologies in the civilian field progress very rapidly," highlighting the importance of incorporating advanced technologies to strengthen defense capabilities.