Japan is actively working to strengthen its reconnaissance and strike capabilities, while simultaneously testing two advanced unmanned aerial vehicles: the Israeli Heron-2 (Heron MK II) and the Turkish Bayraktar TB2. These tests are being conducted by the Japan Self-Defense Forces as part of a program to expand the UAV fleet and improve overall combat effectiveness.
The assessment is based on several key parameters:
- Flight characteristics — flight duration, altitude, stability in difficult weather conditions;
- Range is an important factor for covering vast marine and coastal areas;
- Payload capacity — the ability to carry various payloads, including optoelectronic systems, radars and, if necessary, weapons;
- Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities — the quality of real-time data collection and transmission.
The Heron-2, developed by the Israeli company IAI, is a high—altitude, long-range UAV capable of being airborne for more than 30 hours at an altitude of up to 45,000 feet. It is widely used for strategic reconnaissance and monitoring of large territories.
The Bayraktar TB2, in turn, is a Turkish—made tactical attack drone that has proven itself in several local conflicts. It is smaller, but has the ability to deliver precision strikes using guided munitions, which makes it a flexible tool at the operational level.
The choice between these two platforms may depend on Japan's emphasis on strategic reconnaissance and long-range patrols (in favor of the Heron-2) or tactical flexibility and strike capabilities (in favor of the TB2).
The test results will form the basis for making a decision on possible purchases, which will be an important step in modernizing the country's defense infrastructure in the face of growing regional challenges.
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