Japan has advanced its tests with autonomous drones developed by Subaru, assessing remote operations via tablet and fully automated navigation.
During October, five unmanned jet-powered aircraft took part in coordinated flights as part of the Man-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) studies conducted by the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA). Operators controlled the UAVs from inside a helicopter, analyzing automatic routes and pilot workload.
The campaign also tested formation flights with five aircraft, payload integration, and the use of interfaces similar to those applied on the U.S. MQ-20 Avenger. The project aims to validate standardized control software for future military platforms, as well as improve autonomous flight technologies and collaborative systems between manned and unmanned aircraft.
According to ATLA, these trials are part of a broader strategy to develop AI for decision-making and situational awareness, aligned with Japan’s future fighter jet expected for 2035. The tests run in parallel with the technological cooperation program with the United States, which promotes startups and advanced commercial solutions to strengthen Japan’s defense industrial base.
Source: The Aviationist | Photo: YouTube @atlaofficialchannel2546 | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
遠隔操作型支援機の実証、無人のプロペラ機による実証の前にラジコンくらいのサイズ感のSUBARUの試験機が出てきたのね
ALTAのシンポで公開されてた模型と形は一緒 pic.twitter.com/DNGTpX0UDy
— ん、妄想的な野菜生活(ウクライナダボス商工会議所) (@WangHuo62655) July 9, 2025
