Japan Develops Low-Cost Cardboard Drones for Military Use, Target Practice, and Future Combat Roles

Japan’s Minister of Defense Shinjirō Koizumi posed with a cardboard drone on Monday, February 12, 2024, during a meeting with drone manufacturer AirKamuy. The AirKamuy 150 is a low-cost, pre-fabricated cardboard drone designed for single-use on the battlefield and shipped flatpack, similar to an IKEA shelf.

According to Koizumi, Japan’s military has already deployed the cardboard drone.

"The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is already utilizing them as targets," he said in a post on X. "In aiming to become the Self-Defense Forces that makes the most extensive use of unmanned assets, including drones, in the world, strengthening collaboration with startups enthusiastic about the defense sector is indispensable."

In an interview with Japan Times last year, AirKamuy CEO Yamaguchi Takumi revealed that each rain-resistant cardboard drone costs approximately $2,000. He also noted that 500 units could fit into a standard shipping container when flatpacked. Assembly takes between five to 10 minutes. Once constructed, the drone’s electric motor enables it to travel up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) or operate for 80 minutes.

During the Singapore Airshow in February 2024, AirKamuy Chief Engineer Naoki Morita explained that the cardboard drone was primarily designed as a counter-drone device. The strategy involves deploying a swarm of drones to absorb incoming blows from enemy targets.

"This is regular cardboard, so no special foam board or material, so every cardboard manufacturer can make this plane," he said.

Beyond its primary role, the AirKamuy 150 has additional potential applications. Morita noted that the drone can carry up to three pounds (1.36 kilograms), making it suitable for transporting small supplies or munitions to a target. He also suggested that swarms of incendiary cardboard drones could be deployed in future combat scenarios.

Drones have become a defining feature of modern warfare, from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to tensions between Iran and the United States. In Ukraine, inexpensive and agile drones have been used for both combat and surveillance. Earlier this month, Ukraine claimed that Russian soldiers had surrendered to ground drones. Meanwhile, Iran’s Shahed drones, priced at $35,000 each, have proven so effective that the U.S. replicated their design for its own LUCAS (Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System) drones.

Cost remains a major driver of drone innovation. Semi-autonomous flying munitions are significantly cheaper than traditional weapons, offering militaries a budget-friendly alternative. The AirKamuy 150 aligns with this trend.

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