Japan has come up with an unusual solution for its military target practice sessions: drones made from corrugated cardboard.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced the acquisition of the unique aerial systems from startup Air Kamui, which already supplies drones in active use with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Designed as expendable platforms, the cardboard drones are said to be inexpensive to produce, lightweight, and suitable for large-scale manufacturing.
They are intended to serve as realistic training targets for naval gunnery and missile defense units, simulating the speed and flight profiles of potential aerial threats.
Made from biodegradable materials, the platforms enable repeated training exercises without the cost associated with composite airframes.
A Growing Unmanned Systems Push
The adoption of cardboard drones marks an early step in Japan’s broader push to become a leader in military unmanned systems.
Koizumi said partnerships with domestic firms like Air Kamui are central to that effort, supporting deeper integration of unmanned technologies into training, logistics, and maintenance across the Self-Defense Forces.
Japan has also committed to doubling defense spending, a move widely seen as a significant shift in its security posture.
“As we aim to become the Self-Defense Forces that make the most use of drones and other unmanned assets in the world, strengthening collaboration with startups enthusiastic about the defense sector is essential,” Koizumi stated on social media.
