Japan is interested in the Heron TP surveillance drone made by Israel Aerospace Industries, according to a Thursday report by ISRAELDEFENSE. Citing a report by Japan's Asahi Shimbun, ISRAELDEFENSE says the pilotless aircraft could replace the American-made Global Hawk.
The Japanese first expressed interest three years ago. Asahi Shimbun said obstacles to a joint development effort with Israel include Japan's long-standing ties with the United States and fears about the diplomatic consequences in the Arab world.