The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has awarded a contract to Milrem Robotics to supply three THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). This follows another contract awarded last week by the Japanese Ministry of Defense to Rheinmetall to deliver its Mission Master SP UGVs. These procurements by the JGSDF are being driven by the Japan Ministry of Defense’s Rapid Acquisition Program, which focuses on leveraging cutting-edge technologies for its military to counter the growing aggression from its adversaries. Japan seeks to maintain a small but capable military and will continue to procure unmanned systems over the next decade, says GlobalData, a data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s research on the global military unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) market reveals that Japan’s investment in procuring various types of UGVs is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% over the next 10 years. The prime focus will be on acquiring intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) UGVs that can be configured to perform a wide range of missions.
Harshavardhan Dabbiru, Aerospace & Defence Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Japan has territorial disputes with China over the Senkaku Islands, currently administered by the former. The growing Chinese military prowess in the Indo-Pacific and their claims over the Taiwanese territory, which lies only about 70 miles from the Japanese mainland, are forcing the country’s policymakers to review its military readiness and invest in advanced technologies like unmanned systems.”
In addition, acquiring UGVs like THeMIS and Mission Master SP that can replace humans in various military roles will help the JGSDF in mitigating the risks of human losses on the battlefield, which is important for JGSDF that is currently facing a structural problem in terms of a fall in military applicants due to a shrinking young population in the country. With this situation expected to continue over the coming decades, the country will likely continue investing in unmanned systems.
Dabbiru concludes: “Japan’s involvement in several security partnerships with the US to counter the common adversary in the Indo-Pacific region, China, will also drive enhancements in JGSDF’s preparedness level. As such, the procurement of UGVs like THeMIS and Mission Master SP will help the JGSDF enhance its ground-based surveillance capabilities and react to any unforeseen threats.”
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This is a fascinating update on Japan’s strategic defense initiatives, specifically their investment in unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). It’s insightful to see how Japan is adapting modern technology to enhance their military capabilities in response to regional tensions. The focus on intelligence and surveillance UGVs seems particularly prudent given the geopolitical challenges Japan faces. This move not only aims to bolster their defense but also to mitigate human losses in conflict scenarios, a crucial aspect given their demographic challenges.
I was initially surprised when the Japanese ditched Attack helicopters for going to drones, but really I shouldn’t have been that surprised the JSDF is going all in on drones and unmanned vehicles etc.
The Japanese have been world leaders in robotics for decades now due to their aging population. I remember about 15 years ago watching an amazing demonstration at Disney land by a Japanese robot made by Honda.
With this extra funding Japan has an opportunity to take this civilian technology and become a world leader in military robotics/drones/unmanned vehicles etc.
It will be interesting to see what they come up with over the next decade.
Yes there’s a lot happening in Japan. Not to be left behind, the RoK is also into robotics/uncrewed systems – especially in the area of UCAVs.