Airbus and Kawasaki Explore Eurodrone Anti-Submarine Variant for Japan
Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries signed an MoU to study a Japanese anti-submarine warfare (ASW) variant of the U950 Eurodrone. Japan, an observer in the four-nation Eurodrone program since 2023, aims to supplement its manned ASW fleet with a long-endurance unmanned platform capable of carrying sonobuoys and torpedoes. The collaboration includes sensor integration, work-share discussions, and insights for future European naval versions. The baseline Eurodrone’s first flight is slated for 2029.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Airbus signs MoU to explore Japanese anti-submarine variant of the Eurodrone
Airbus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kawasaki Heavy Industries to analyze opportunities for developing a Japanese anti-submarine warfare (ASW) variant of the Eurodrone, Europe's first Large Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). Japan has been an observer in the Eurodrone programme since 2023. The collaboration will explore design, development, and commercialization options, including integration of Japanese sensors and effectors, and potential workshare for Japanese industry. Airbus states the Eurodrone is suited for Japan's maritime surveillance needs due to long endurance (up to 40 hours) and high payload capacity (2.3 tonnes), capable of carrying sonobuoys and torpedoes. This partnership aims to bolster the Eurodrone programme and deepen European-Japanese defense cooperation, while insights gained may benefit future European naval versions. The Eurodrone, a four-nation programme (Germany, France, Italy, Spain) led by OCCAR, is scheduled for first flight in 2029.
Naval NewsAirbus signs MoU with Kawasaki to explore Japanese anti-submarine variant of Eurodrone
Airbus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kawasaki Heavy Industries to explore a Japanese anti-submarine warfare (ASW) variant of the U950 Eurodrone, Europe's first Large Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). Japan has held observer status in the Eurodrone programme since 2023. The collaboration aims to analyze opportunities for design, development, and commercialization of a maritime version tailored for Japan, including integration of Japanese sensors and effectors. The Eurodrone, a four-nation programme (Germany, France, Italy, Spain) led by OCCAR, can carry up to 2.3 tonnes of payload, stay airborne for 40 hours, and perform missions including maritime patrol and ASW using sonobuoys and torpedoes. The partnership is expected to bolster European-Japanese defense initiatives and provide insights for future European naval variants. First flight is scheduled for 2029.
Naval NewsAirbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Sign MoU for Japanese Anti-Submarine Eurodrone Variant
Airbus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kawasaki Heavy Industries to explore the development of a Japanese anti-submarine warfare variant of the U950 Eurodrone. The Eurodrone is Europe's first large long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS). Japan, which has held observer status in the Eurodrone programme since 2023, seeks to complement its crewed anti-submarine fleet with an uncrewed platform suited for monitoring large maritime areas. The next phase involves discussions on design, development, and commercialization, including the integration of Japanese sensors and effectors. The collaboration is expected to bolster the Eurodrone programme and provide operational advantages for future European naval versions. The Eurodrone, a four-nation programme involving Germany, France, Italy, and Spain led by OCCAR, is scheduled for its first flight in 2029 and can carry up to 2.3 tonnes of payload for up to 40 hours.
Naval NewsAirbus and Kawasaki to Explore Anti-Submarine Eurodrone Variant for Japan
Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly study the development of a specialized variant of the U950 Eurodrone tailored for Japanese anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations. The collaboration aims to adapt the European-designed unmanned aerial system to meet Japan's specific maritime patrol and submarine detection requirements. This initiative reflects growing defense cooperation between European and Japanese industries, particularly in advanced unmanned systems for naval security. The Eurodrone, originally developed for European armed forces, could be modified with sensors, sonobuoys, and other ASW equipment to enhance Japan's maritime surveillance capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
Naval TechnologyAirbus and Kawasaki to Study Anti-Submarine Eurodrone Variant for Japan
Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of a specialized anti-submarine warfare (ASW) variant of the U950 Eurodrone for Japan. The collaboration aims to tailor the European-origin unmanned aerial system to meet Japan's specific maritime defense needs, particularly tracking and countering submarine threats. The study will assess technical adaptations, sensor integration, and operational requirements. This partnership reflects growing defense cooperation between Europe and Japan amid rising regional security challenges. The Eurodrone, a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV, is currently under development for European armed forces, and this potential variant would enhance Japan's naval surveillance capabilities. No timeline or financial details were disclosed.
Naval TechnologyAirbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Sign MoU for Anti-Submarine Eurodrone Variant for Japan
Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore developing a maritime variant of the U950 Eurodrone specifically for Japanese anti-submarine warfare operations. The Eurodrone, currently developed by Germany, France, Italy, and Spain under OCCAR, has had Japan as an observer since 2023. The uncrewed aerial system can carry sonobuoys and torpedoes, with a payload capacity of 2.3 tonnes and endurance up to 40 hours. The collaboration includes analyzing design, development, and commercialization options, incorporating local sensors and effectors, and exploring industrial participation during production and support. Airbus states the Eurodrone could complement Japan's crewed anti-submarine fleet and enhance maritime security. The first flight is scheduled for 2029. Kawasaki Heavy Industries brings experience in maritime patrol aircraft to the project, with both companies aiming to strengthen defense ties between Europe and Japan.
Naval TechnologyAirbus and Kawasaki Explore Anti-Submarine Warfare Variant of Eurodrone for Japan
Airbus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kawasaki Heavy Industries to explore developing a Japanese variant of the U950 Eurodrone for anti-submarine warfare (ASW). Japan, which has held observer status in the Eurodrone program since 2023, seeks to supplement its manned ASW fleet with a long-endurance unmanned platform. The Eurodrone, a four-nation program (Germany, France, Italy, Spain) managed by OCCAR, offers up to 40 hours of flight time and a 2.3-ton payload capacity, capable of carrying sonobuoys and torpedoes. The collaboration aims to define configurations, integrate Japanese sensors, and establish work-sharing for production and maintenance, ensuring sovereign Japanese operation. Insights from this variant are expected to benefit future European naval versions. The first flight of the baseline Eurodrone is scheduled for 2029.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und WehrtechnikAirbus and Kawasaki Sign MoU to Explore Anti-Submarine Warfare Variant of Eurodrone for Japan
Airbus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kawasaki Heavy Industries to explore the development of a Japanese variant of the U950 Eurodrone optimized for anti-submarine warfare (ASW). Japan has held observer status in the Eurodrone program since 2023. The Eurodrone, a four-nation program (Germany, France, Italy, Spain) led by OCCAR, has a flight endurance of up to 40 hours and can carry up to 2.3 tons of payload, including sonobuoys and torpedoes. The proposed variant would allow Japan to supplement its manned ASW fleet with a sovereign unmanned platform. The collaboration aims to define configurations, integrate Japanese sensors and actuators, and explore industry work shares. Insights from this variant could also benefit future European naval versions of the Eurodrone. The aircraft is scheduled for its maiden flight in 2029.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und Wehrtechnik