Japan has announced that it will switch from obsolete attack and observation helicopters to unmanned systems, according to its defence structure plans.

According to the English version of Japan’s defence restructuring strategy, published by the Japanese Ministry of Defense in January, obsolete helicopters will be replaced by unmanned aerial systems.

The document in question did not provide further details on the replacement of helicopters. The report added that existing Japan Ground Self-Defense Force helicopters will be armed to maintain the required minimum capability. Japan currently uses approximately 50 Bell AH-1 Cobras and 12 Boeing AH-64D Apache attack helicopters. The observation helicopter fleet includes 37 Kawasaki OH-1s and approximately 100 Hughes OH-6D Cayuse light helicopters. Initially, Japan planned to buy a new attack helicopter to replace the AH-1s, but this was later cancelled.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force uses Boeing CH-47 Chinook, Fuji UH-1 and Sikorsky UH-60 helicopters. Japan is introducing the Subaru UH-2 utility helicopter to replace the UH-1s and plans to procure 77 by 2027. The UH-2 is based on the Bell 412EPI design.

Other old systems that the country will change in the defence structure plan include 9 Asagiri, Hatakaze and Abukuma class destroyers and training ships belonging to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. It is planned to replace this fleet with 12 Mogami class frigates, which require less crew.

Considering increasing threats from China and North Korea, Japan has increased its defence spending in recent years and has recently committed to increase its defence budget to 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) from its current level of just over 1%.