Key Point: This marks the beginning of joint efforts to explore collaboration in the fields of Drone and Advanced Air Mobility(AAM) businesses
Tokyo, May 20, 2025 – Terra Drone Corporation, a leading drone and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology company headquartered in Japan, is pleased to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. to explore the establishment of a joint venture company in the United States. Under this MoU, the two companies will begin discussions to explore the development of joint business in the fields of drones and AAM in the Americas, leveraging their respective strengths.
Background and Purpose
In recent years, expectations for next-generation air mobility using drones and AAM technologies have been rapidly increasing in the Americas, driving technological implementation in various fields such as infrastructure, logistics, inspection, and UTM. As the social implementation of these technologies progresses, low-altitude airspace is expected to become more congested, highlighting the need to develop UTM infrastructure to realize safe and efficient flight operations.
Terra Drone has been addressing these challenges by offering integrated drone solutions that combine hardware, software, and services, as well as by providing UTM systems to solve industrial issues and enhance safety in the low-altitude economy. Mitsui & Co., a global trading and investment company with a diverse global portfolio, has also been paying close attention to the social implementation of air mobility since around 2021. Both Terra Drone and Mitsui & Co. have previously collaborated on initiatives aimed at the social implementation of next-generation air mobility, having been selected for government-subsidized projects of Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City and Hyogo Prefecture, and jointly conducting UTM system demonstrations(1).
Through these initiatives, Terra Drone has strengthened its partnership with Mitsui & Co.. Based on the MoU, the company will begin exploring the development of next-generation air mobility businesses in the US, with a view to future collaboration with Mitsui & Co.
Overview of the Planned Joint Venture
The planned joint venture, based on the MoU, is expected to be headquartered in the US, with Terra Drone making a majority investment. It is noted that the business scope of the new joint venture will not include Terra Drone’s existing US operations.
The envisioned business activities of the joint venture include:
- Investment in drone and AAM-related companies in the Americas
- Provision of related services, as well as the manufacturing, sales, and distribution of associated products
Future Prospects
Based on the MoU, Terra Drone will proceed with exploring the establishment of the US-based joint venture through discussions with Mitsui & Co.. The impact of this MoU on Terra Drone’s consolidated financial results for FY25 is expected to be minimal. However, should any matters requiring disclosure arise in the future, an announcement will be made without delay.
Editor’s Note:
Related press release [JP]: https://terra-drone.net/20844
About Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
Mitsui & Co. is a global trading and investment company. In the fields of mineral and metal resources, energy, infrastructure projects, mobility, chemicals, iron and steel products, food, retail, wellness, ICT, and corporate development, the company leverages its extensive global network of business offices, information-gathering capabilities, and expertise to engage in a wide range of business activities. These include the sale of a diverse array of products, logistics and financial services to support those sales, and the development of large-scale international projects. For more information, please visit: https://www.mitsui.com/jp/en/index.html
About Terra Drone Corporation
Terra Drone Corporation, headquartered in Japan, is a global leader in drone and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions. Dedicated to the mission of “Unlock ‘X’ Dimensions”, the company is committed to creating a prosperous future by “crossing” bridges—integrating diverse fields to foster innovation and find solutions. Specializing in surveying, inspections, agriculture, and UAS Traffic Management (UTM), Terra Drone serves industries such as oil and gas, construction, chemicals, energy, and agriculture.
With a portfolio of over 3,000 completed projects worldwide, Terra Drone has achieved significant milestones in the drone operations field. In July 2023, the company acquired a majority stake in Unifly, a world-leading provider of UTM platform, with deployments in over eight countries, followed by an investment in U.S.-based Aloft Technologies in February 2024, further expanding its capabilities in UTM.Terra Drone was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market (Stock Code: 278A) on November 29, 2024. It also secured top spot in Global Drone Service Provider Rankings for 2024.
Recognized by Drone Industry Insights as one of the top three industrial drone service providers globally for five consecutive years, Terra Drone aims to build the digital infrastructure necessary to unlock the full potential of drones and AAM solutions. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.terra-drone.net
Media Contact:
PR Team, Terra Drone Corporation
Tel: +81-3-6419-7193
Email: pr@terra-drone.co.jp
