Archive · 4 Nov 2025
Japan Conducts First-Ever Live-Fire Drone Interception Drills in US
Japan's army recently practiced shooting down fake drones with real weapons for the very first time!
They went to America to do this because there isn't enough space in Japan for such big exercises.
This training is important because drones are used a lot in fighting nowadays.
Japan's new leader is also focused on making their military stronger, especially because of worries about China.
These drills, called 'Rising Thunder,' are happening with the help of the US Army.
Soldiers are using special equipment to hit the drones out of the sky.
This is a new step for Japan's defense against flying robots.
The Japanese army has conducted its first-ever live-fire drills aimed at shooting down drones.
The joint exercise, named 'Rising Thunder,' is taking place with the US Army in Washington state.
The drills involve approximately 440 Japanese soldiers and 500 US Army personnel.
This training is seen as a significant step in Japan's response to the growing threat of uncrewed aircraft.
The exercise is taking place in the US due to limitations of space in Japan and aims to bolster military preparedness amid regional tensions.
- Who
- Japanese army soldiers
- What
- Conducted live-fire drills to shoot down drones for the first time
- When
- Began October 27 and concluding November 12
- Where
- Yakima Training Center in Washington, USA
- Why
- To enhance military preparedness against the threat of uncrewed aircraft, particularly in light of Chinese aggression and the role of drones in modern warfare.
- Exercise Name
- Rising Thunder
- Location
- Yakima Training Center, Washington, USA
- Start Date
- October 27
- End Date
- November 12
- Japanese Soldiers
- Around 440
- US Army Personnel
- 500