Japan is testing the Heron-2 (Heron MK II) and the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles from Israel and Turkiye at the same time to improve its military capabilities.
The Japan Self-defence Forces are looking at both platforms for operational performance, range, payload capacity, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, according to a Mainichi Shimbun story from August 13, 2025.
TurDef has previously reported the Heron MK II tests but the Mainichi Shimbun’s article adds new details.
Due to China’s growing involvement in the East China Sea and North Korea’s ongoing missile launches, the testing is taking place at a time when regional tensions are at an all-time high. Through the advancement of these studies, Tokyo intends to increase its surveillance and deterrence over the key regions around its southwestern islands and the surrounding territories.
The Heron-2 from Israel has longer flight times and advanced sensor integration. The Bayraktar TB2 from Turkiye, on the other hand, is known for its lower operational cost, agility, and proven battlefield effectiveness
According to Mainichi, the procedure might result in Japan adding one or both systems to its inventory. This would be a big step towards making the country’s unmanned aerial capabilities more varied.
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