Japan Deploys Cardboard Combat Drones for Cost-Effective Military Use

Japan Unveils Cardboard Combat Drones for Military Use

Japan’s minister of defense Shinjirō Koizumi recently announced the deployment of easily replaceable combat drones made almost entirely of corrugated cardboard. Developed by Japanese arms manufacturer AirKamuy, the AirKamuy 150 drone is a fixed-wing craft constructed from the same material as Amazon boxes, designed for mass production.

Drones Already in Use by Japan’s Military

In a post on X-formerly-Twitter, Koizumi revealed that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is already using the drones as “targets,” though their exact purpose—whether for military target practice or as decoys—remains unclear.

今日は段ボール製ドローンで有名なエアカムイの皆さんと意見交換をさせて頂きました。海上自衛隊では既に標的として活用しています。ドローンをはじめとする無人アセットを世界で最も駆使する自衛隊を目指す上で、防衛分野に意欲あるスタートアップの皆さんと連携強化は不可欠です。今日は非常に濃密な…

Cost and Performance Breakdown

According to Tom’s Hardware, the cardboard drones cost between $2,000 and $2,500 each, a fraction of the price of Iran’s Shahed drones, which range from $20,000 to $50,000 per unit.

Each drone is foldable and can be fully assembled out-of-the-box in approximately five minutes, an AirKamuy employee told NHK World-Japan. Despite their basic propulsion system, the drones boast a flight time of 80 minutes and a top speed of 62 miles per hour.

Rapid Production and Military Advantages

AirKamuy highlights the drones’ rapid production process, which allows them to be manufactured by any machinist with access to a cardboard die-cutter, rather than requiring a specialized aerospace company.

AirKamuy CEO Yamaguchi Takumi stated in an interview with NHK:

“There is strong demand for low-cost drones that can operate in large numbers, and over long distances. This model can be manufactured at any cardboard plant, ensuring high mass production capability and a robust supply chain.”

Why Cardboard Drones Matter for Modern Warfare

The deployment of these drones reflects a growing trend in military strategy: leveraging cost-effective, mass-producible technology for tactical advantages. Their lightweight design and rapid assembly make them ideal for quick deployment in various scenarios.