Iranian Shahed drone [AP Yonhap News]

Japan, which recently deployed long-range missiles to its Self-Defense Forces to possess 'counterattack capabilities' that can attack enemy bases, is also considering the introduction of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) capable of long-range attacks, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported on the 1st.

The Japanese government and ruling party intend to prepare for a 'complex attack' posture that cannot be intercepted by combining long-range missiles and drones, referencing the use of drones in the Ukraine war and the war between the US, Israel, and Iran, the newspaper reported.

It is analyzed that Japan will further enhance its counterattack capabilities through this, aiming to strengthen deterrence against China and other countries.

The model Japan intends to introduce is reportedly a kamikaze drone with a cruising range exceeding 1,000 km. To diversify attack methods, options such as models launched from aircraft and submarines, and models that can move underwater or on the surface are also being discussed.

The Japanese government deployed long-range missiles in Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu and Shizuoka Prefecture in central Honshu, respectively, the previous day to check China and North Korea.

'Type 25 anti-ship missiles' with a range of approximately 1,000 km were deployed in Kumamoto Prefecture, and 'Type 25 high-speed gliding bombs' with a range of several hundred kilometers were deployed in Shizuoka Prefecture. Japan plans to increase the range of gliding bombs to about 2,000 km in the future.

Furthermore, the destroyer 'Chokai' has completed modifications to launch the U.S. Tomahawk cruise missile with a range of approximately 1,600 km, and the F-35 fighter jet is planned to be equipped with the Norwegian cruise missile JSM.

One of the factors driving Japan's intention to introduce long-range attack drones following long-range missiles is the relatively low price of drones, Yomiuri pointed out.

The newspaper explained that Japan intends to strengthen its ability to conduct prolonged warfare by possessing attack drones that are cheaper than missiles and easier to procure in large quantities.

The United States deployed the U.S. Lucas, also known as a kamikaze drone, in the war with Iran, and Iran is also actively utilizing the Shahed drone. The cruising range is estimated to be 1,000-2,000 km for the Lucas and 2,500 km for the Shahed.

Japan plans to explicitly state the introduction of long-range attack drones in its three key security documents, which it is pushing to revise within the year, the newspaper reported.

Meanwhile, the Japanese government is also considering the development of low-cost guided missiles using components such as civilian aircraft engines and guidance systems as another means of counterattack, Kyodo News reported.

According to multiple sources, the intention is to prepare for a protracted war by introducing missiles that are relatively low-cost and can shorten production time, and plans include referencing examples such as Ukraine's development of the cruise missile 'Flamingo' with a range of 3,000 km last August.

The low-cost missiles under consideration are planned to have a range of over 1,000 km, capable of attacking an adversary's missile launch sites or naval vessels.

Kyodo News also reported that new combat methods utilizing these will be reflected in the three key security documents.