Japan is reviewing an invitation from Latvia to join a group of nations sending drones and technology to Ukraine as it battles Russia’s invasion.
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze said Tokyo has been asked to participate in the “Ukraine Drone Coalition,” which Riga launched in February to supply drones, spare parts, and technical know-how.
“Twenty countries have already joined the drone coalition, and Japan has also been invited to join,” she told Chiyoda-based news agency Nikkei.
Defense Minister Gen Nakatani confirmed the request last September, saying it followed a meeting between the foreign ministers of the Asia-Pacific nation and the NATO member.
“Under our basic policy of providing as much support as possible to Ukraine, we will continue to study this,” The Asahi Shimbun quoted Nakatani as saying.
He noted that Japan cannot send lethal weapons under its constitution, limiting any role to areas such as surveillance and reconnaissance.
Reach and Goals
The Drone Coalition — most members from across Europe, along with Australia and New Zealand — has already pledged 1.8 billion euros ($2.1 billion) in support. If Tokyo signs on, it would be the first country from East Asia to join.
The initiative gives members battlefield lessons in how unmanned aerial systems are used in combat, a chance many see as crucial for strengthening their own industries.
“Our shared task is to rapidly absorb the lessons learned from Ukraine — to test, produce and innovate,” Braze said, adding that Japan could also contribute to non-lethal areas such as detection and electronic warfare.
Additionally, access to that knowledge could help build defenses as China rapidly expands its drone programs.
Drones in the War
Analysts estimate that drones account for most casualties on both sides in Ukraine and are central to artillery and air strikes. Russia has ramped up drone production during the war, while North Korea has sent troops to support Moscow.
Beyond combat, Braze said Russia is also targeting Western countries with disinformation.
“Russia is investing great resources in [an] attempt to destabilize our societies, undermine public trust in our democratic institutions and interfere in our domestic political affairs through the information space,” she said.
Latvia, which borders Russia and hosts NATO’s Strategic Communications Center of Excellence, has positioned itself as a leader in countering online propaganda. Braze said this is an area where Latvia and Japan could positively share expertise.
Japan already adjusted its rules in 2022 to allow limited defense exports after Russia’s invasion. Since then, it has supplied non-lethal aid such as helmets, vests, and small unmanned aerial systems.
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