Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have agreed to study an anti-submarine warfare variant of the Eurodrone tailored for Japan, expanding the platform’s potential role in maritime operations.
The joint study will examine a Japanese variant of the U950 Eurodrone, including the integration of domestically developed sensors and weapons, as well as Japanese participation in production and sustainment.
The effort is intended to give Japan the ability to operate and support the platform independently should it move forward with procurement.
According to Airbus, the Eurodrone’s long range, extended endurance, and large payload capacity make it well suited for maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare, allowing it to carry mission systems such as sonobuoys and lightweight torpedoes.
The company also said the aircraft could complement Japan’s crewed anti-submarine fleet by adding a persistent uncrewed capability.
Airbus added that the collaboration could strengthen defense ties between Europe and Japan while informing future maritime variants of the Eurodrone for European operators.
Eurodrone Program Continues Toward First Flight
Japan has held observer status in the multinational Eurodrone program since 2023, signaling its interest in the platform. The aircraft is expected to make its first flight in 2029.
Launched in 2016, the program is led by France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, with Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Leonardo jointly developing the aircraft as part of a broader effort to reduce Europe’s reliance on non-European remotely piloted aircraft systems.
Designed for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance, early warning, signals intelligence, maritime patrol, and anti-submarine warfare missions, the Eurodrone can carry mission payloads of up to 2.3 tonnes (2,300 kg) and remain airborne for up to 40 hours.
It is also designed to operate in both civilian airspace and over open waters.
