Japan is exploring the acquisition of Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ K-RACER drone to boost its military logistics. The interest follows a successful 2024 demo showcasing the drone’s autonomous cargo loading and unloading capabilities. Discussions are ongoing between KHI, Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency, and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). The K-RACER is a rotorcraft drone capable of transporting up to 100 kilograms of cargo at heights of 3,000 meters. It uses a high-performance engine from Kawasaki’s Ninja H2R motorcycle and features a 7-meter frame with a collapsible tail for easy transport in standard shipping containers.
