Japan’s Self-Defense Forces began a live-fire exercise intercepting drones in collaboration with the U.S. military on October 27th. This exercise is part of the joint military exercise “Rising Thunder” between the U.S. Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, marking Japan’s first live-fire drone interception exercise.
The joint military exercise under the codename “Rising Thunder” took place from October 27th to November 12th at the Yakima Training Center in Washington state, with approximately 500 U.S. Army personnel and 440 Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members participating.
During the training, the Self-Defense Forces utilized portable equipment provided by the U.S. military to shoot down drones in the air and intercept them by disrupting the drones’ electronic circuits through electromagnetic waves.
Gen. Arai Masayoshi, Chief of Staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, mentioned the logistical challenges of conducting live-fire drone interception exercises in Japan, citing limited available land for such drills, which led to the choice of the expansive Yakima Training Center whose area surpasses the sum of Tokyo’s 23 wards.
As various militaries worldwide increasingly integrate cost-effective and manpower-saving drones into their arsenals for offensive purposes, the Japanese government announced in 2022 its plans to swiftly acquire and deploy technologies to counter drone swarms. The Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) also focused on developing anti-drone technologies such as “high-power lasers” and “microwaves.”
In 2024, Japan completed a prototype of a 10-kilowatt laser system capable of mobile deployment on trucks and also developed a prototype of a 100-kilowatt system. Operating costs for laser systems are lower than traditional artillery systems as they only require electricity, eliminating ammunition depletion concerns.
High-power microwaves can disrupt drone circuits without the need for pinpoint accuracy to target individual drones. According to sources in the ATLA, this type of weapon can “attack an area.” However, due to the shorter range of high-power microwave devices compared to laser weapons, a combination with laser arms and conventional ammunition is required for combat effectiveness.
Japanese data disclosed that in the fiscal year 2024, the Self-Defense Forces encountered an estimated 30 Chinese drones requiring emergency airborne interception.
Japanese media highlighted the importance for Japan to monitor Chinese-developed large drones, including the “Sky-nine” carrier-type drone capable of carrying small drones and missiles, and the “Wing Loong-3” drone with intercontinental strike and surveillance capabilities. Additionally, North Korea is advancing in drone development.
Speculations from external sources suggest North Korea is receiving support from Russia in drone operation techniques.