Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) has selected Terra Drone’s Terra B1 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for procurement by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), following demonstration trials under the agency’s Early Acquisition Programme for Interceptor UAVs.
The Terra B1 was selected on 25 August after trials held between 15 July and 6 August. ATLA commissioned four UAV models to demonstrate their capabilities under the fast-track programme, with Terra Drone saying the Terra B1 was the only aircraft to pass the evaluation and advance to the manufacturing stage.
The interceptor is designed to counter long-range, one-way attack UAVs such as Iran’s Shahed-series drones. Terra Drone describes it as a lower-cost alternative to conventional interceptor missiles.
The programme is intended to accelerate the acquisition of counter-UAS capabilities, with Terra Drone aiming to begin deliveries to the JMSDF in September 2026. The company said the Terra B1 also passed evaluations covering domestic production and operational support, including maintenance, logistics and training.
Further technical details of the Terra B1 have not been disclosed. The design is understood to be related to Terra Drone’s Terra A1 interceptor, which the company unveiled earlier this year.
The selection is Terra Drone’s second contract from ATLA. The company previously secured a JPY 115.4 million (approximately USD 725,849) order for 300 Terra Entry general-purpose modular UAVs for Japan’s Ministry of Defense.
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Terra Drone’s Japan-Made Interceptor Drone “Terra B1” Solely Passes ATLA Demonstration Test
(Image: Terra Drone)
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