Key Points: Accelerating the Strengthening of Japan’s Defense Industrial Base and the Development of Domestic Unmanned Systems
Tokyo, July 8, 2026 – Terra Drone Corporation, a leading drone and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology company headquartered in Japan, announces that it has appointed Keiichiro Iwasaki, who held a number of key positions in the defense and aerospace business at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., as an Advisor to the Company.
At Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mr. Iwasaki spent many years engaged in the defense equipment field, including torpedoes, missiles, and anti-submarine systems, and played a deep role in the areas of technology, manufacturing, policy, and industrial base development in the defense and aerospace sectors.
In particular, in his capacity as Senior Manager for the Defense and Space Domain, he made recommendations to the government, relevant ministries and agencies, and industry on the need to develop institutional frameworks that would enable Japanese companies to participate in international joint development projects and expand overseas. Through these efforts, he was also deeply involved in discussions surrounding Japan’s defense industrial policy and the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology.
Today, the defense sector is undergoing a global shift toward next-generation defense systems powered by unmanned systems, autonomous operations, AI, and software. In Japan as well, establishing domestically developed unmanned systems, strengthening the defense technology base, addressing economic security, and leveraging dual-use technologies have become key priorities.
Building on the unmanned aircraft technologies, UTM capabilities, and real-world operational expertise it has developed in inspection and surveying, Terra Drone has been advancing its initiatives in the defense and national security sectors.
With Mr. Iwasaki’s appointment, Terra Drone will further accelerate the development of domestically produced defense drones, the advancement of autonomous unmanned systems, collaboration with defense-related companies, and expansion into the global defense market, thereby driving its growth as a defense technology company originating from Japan.
Background
In recent years, the defense industry has been shifting away from its traditional focus on large-scale platforms toward distributed systems that leverage unmanned systems, software, AI, and autonomous operation technologies.
Particularly in the fields of unmanned aerial vehicles and counter-drone systems, competitiveness is increasingly determined by speed of development, software update capabilities, and the ability to improve systems through real-world operational feedback. As a result, startups are playing an increasingly prominent role in the defense industry.
At the same time, Japan’s defense industry has traditionally developed around major heavy industry manufacturers, with core strengths in high quality and reliability. Looking ahead, it is becoming increasingly important to combine this expertise in manufacturing, quality assurance, and safety with civilian-origin unmanned systems and software technologies.
In addition, recent developments—including revisions to the implementation of the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and the promotion of economic security policies—have driven growing interest in domestically developed unmanned systems, defense supply chains, and the application of dual-use technologies.
Building on the unmanned aircraft technologies, UTM capabilities, and global operational expertise it has developed in the industrial sector, Terra Drone has been advancing its expansion into the defense and national security domains.
By welcoming Mr. Iwasaki, who brings many years of experience in the defense and aerospace sectors, as an Advisor, Terra Drone will further strengthen its business foundation and industrial partnerships in the defense industry.
Expected Role
At Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Mr. Iwasaki spent many years engaged in technology development, manufacturing, business operations, and policy advocacy in the defense equipment sector, and has been deeply involved in shaping Japan’s defense industrial base.
He has also played a significant role in Japan’s defense industrial policy, including through his involvement, as Senior Manager for the Defense and Space Domain, in institutional development aimed at enabling Japanese companies to participate in international joint development projects and expand into overseas markets.
With Mr. Iwasaki’s appointment as Advisor, Terra Drone expects him to contribute to the advancement of the Company’s business in the following areas:
- Development of domestically produced defense drones
- Advancement of autonomous unmanned systems
- Strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces
- Expanding partnerships with defense-related companies
- Expansion into overseas defense markets
- Development of next-generation security infrastructure
At present, examples of collaboration in Japan that combine defense startups with expertise from the heavy industry sector remain limited. Terra Drone has cultivated operational know-how, software technologies, and global reach through its industrial drone business. By combining these strengths with the expertise in quality, manufacturing, and long-term operation embedded in Japan’s defense industry, the Company aims to help build a next-generation defense technology foundation originating from Japan.
Representative Comments
Toru Tokushige, President & CEO of Terra Drone Corporation
As the security environment changes dramatically, establishing a domestic industrial base for unmanned systems has become critically important in Japan as well. Mr. Iwasaki is one of the few leaders who has been involved at the forefront of Japan’s defense industry across technology, manufacturing, and policy. By drawing on his knowledge and experience, Terra Drone will further strengthen its initiatives in the defense and national security domains and contribute to enhancing Japan’s security and industrial competitiveness.
Keiichiro Iwasaki
Looking at modern warfare around the world, unmanned systems have already become strategically indispensable. Going forward, I believe it will be critically important for Japan to establish domestically developed unmanned aerial systems and strengthen its defense industrial base. Terra Drone is one of the few Japanese unmanned systems companies with a global footprint, and it possesses real-world operational know-how, strong technological capabilities, and a proven ability to bring solutions into practical use. I hope to leverage the experience I have built over the years to contribute to the development of Japan’s defense and national security sectors.
Career History of Keiichiro Iwasaki
- Joined Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
- Deputy General Manager, Special Machinery Department
- Deputy General Manager, Guided Weapon Systems Department, Aerospace Headquarters
- General Manager, Business Operations Department, Aerospace Headquarters
- Executive Officer, Deputy Head of Aerospace Headquarters
- Executive Officer, Senior Advisor for the Defense & Space Domain
- Executive Officer, Chief Representative for China
- President and Representative Director, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Machine Tool Co., Ltd.
Future Outlook
Going forward, Terra Drone will work to help build a defense technology industrial base originating from Japan by integrating its capabilities in unmanned aircraft, autonomous operations, and UTM with the expertise and networks cultivated within the defense industry.
In addition, the Company will strengthen collaboration with heavy industry, defense-related companies, startups, and government institutions, while fostering a new industrial ecosystem that bridges the conventional defense sector with next-generation software and unmanned systems technologies.
Terra Drone remains committed to contributing to the enhancement of Japan’s industrial competitiveness and the advancement of its domestic technology base, while continuing to expand its business as a Japan-born defense technology company.
Contact Information Regarding Defense Business
Business Website：https://terra-defense.com/
Contact Form：https://terra-defense.com/contact/
Terra Drone Corporation, Defense Division, Morita
Email：defense@terra-drone.co.jp
TEL：080-4329-7881
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.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. Furthermore, at the Japan Startup Awards 2025 hosted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Terra Drone was honored with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) Award in recognition of its initiatives addressing social challenges in the infrastructure and transportation sector.
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
