Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the development of a Japan‑specific version of the Eurodrone U950 anti‑submarine UAV. The variant will be equipped with Japanese‑made sensors and weapons for maritime patrol and anti‑submarine warfare, with Japanese industry participating in production and support. The Eurodrone is a twin‑engine UAV capable of over 40 hours of flight, a ceiling of 13.7 km, a speed of about 500 km/h and a payload capacity of 2.3 tonnes. Japan has been a observer in the Eurodrone programme since 2023 and could replace France, which is set to exit the project in early 2026, should it become a full participant.