Japan's Terra Drone wins ATLA contract for UAV interceptor

Terra Drone's Terra B1 interceptor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has completed demonstration trials for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). (Terra Drone)

Japan's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) has selected Terra Drone Corporation to supply the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) with the Terra B1 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

The domestically produced interceptor UAV is designed to counter long-range loitering munitions such as Iran's Shahed series, according to Terra Drone. ATLA selected the Terra B1 for acquisition on 25 August after it passed trials conducted under the agency's ‘Early Acquisition Programme for Interceptor UAVs'.

ATLA has not disclosed the value of the order or the number of Terra B1 UAVs to be procured under the fast-track programme, which was launched in June.

Janes has contacted Terra Drone for additional details.

The trials were held from 15 July to 6 August after the JMSDF commissioned private companies to demonstrate four UAV models, ATLA said.

Terra Drone said it aims to begin delivering Terra B1 units to the JMSDF in September.

Further details about the Terra B1 are unavailable. Although similar to the Terra A1 UAV unveiled in March, the Terra B1 has a more streamlined design that omits a pair of control wings fitted to the earlier variant. Janes has reported that the Terra A1 has a maximum speed of 300 km/h, a range of 32 km, and a flight time of 15 minutes.

According to the company, the Terra family of interceptors is intended to provide a low-cost alternative to conventional interceptor missiles.

This is Terra Drone's second contract from ATLA. The company previously secured a JPY115.4 million (USD725,849) order to supply the Japan Ministry of Defense (MoD) with 300 Terra Entry general-purpose modular UAVs.