Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) signed a mass-production contract with Terra Drone on August 25 for the Terra B1 interceptor drone. The decision follows evaluation trials conducted by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force between July 15 and August 6, testing four candidate platforms. Terra Drone’s Terra B1 was the sole system to satisfy ATLA’s demonstration criteria, moving the platform exclusively into the mass-production phase.
The procurement forms part of Japan’s Interceptor Drone Rapid Acquisition Program, launched on June 5 to field cost-effective systems against long-range one-way attack UAVs, such as Shahed-type platforms. According to Terra Drone, the initiative incorporates operational lessons from Ukraine, where low-cost interceptor drones achieved high success rates against long-range aerial threats compared to conventional air defense systems. This was reported in a press release by Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency.
Initial deployment will focus on Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels and installations, with potential expansion to Ground and Air Self-Defense Forces. The contract follows combat evaluation trials conducted by Terra Drone in Ukraine earlier in 2026, alongside investments in Ukrainian counter-drone developers, including Winnylab. Deliveries under the accelerated three-month acquisition timeline are scheduled to begin around September 2026.
