Key Takeaways
- Hitachi Kokusai Electric has secured a ¥1.3 billion contract from Japan’s Ministry of Defense to develop high-power microwave technology.
- This technology aims to immobilize airborne targets and enhance missile defense capabilities, marking a shift towards non-kinetic weapon systems.
- Japan is positioning itself as a leader in HPM technology through international cooperation, especially with the U.S. Department of Defense.
Contract Awarded for Advanced Microwave Technology
Hitachi Kokusai Electric has been awarded a ¥1.3 billion (approximately $12 million) contract by Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) to develop high-power microwave (HPM) technology. The contract, finalized on March 31, follows a preliminary ¥30 million (around $270,000) scoping study awarded in March 2025.
While specific details of the project remain scarce, a brochure from ATLA’s Defense Innovation Science & Technology Institute highlights key features, including a distributed array antenna and the potential to immobilize airborne objects from ten times the range of existing systems. Additionally, this technology could enable wireless charging to high-altitude platform stations (HAPS).
Japan’s interest in HPM technology dates back to a 2013 policy evaluation report, which proposed the research and development of a new missile defense system utilizing active phased array technology. Since then, HPM has been prioritized within the MoD’s 2019 “Research and Development Vision.” A 2022 report further emphasized HPM’s ability to simultaneously immobilize multiple targets, offering a cost-effective alternative to conventional kinetic weapons, particularly against modern threats like swarm attacks from low-cost drones.
Japan is moving toward becoming a leader in HPM defense technology, as reflected in a cooperative agreement signed in July 2024 with the United States Department of Defense. This collaboration opens doors for joint tests and data sharing vital for advancing HPM applications.
In addition, recent tenders from ATLA have been particularly focused on HPM systems designed to counter drones. The Ground Self-Defense Force’s Air Defense School identified targets for preliminary tests, ranging from small to medium-sized drones.
One notable contractor in this field has been Japan Radio, which has won contracts totaling ¥9.7 billion (around $87 million) since 2023, demonstrating the growing military interest in microwave technology.
Previously, Japan’s research in microwave power transmission was primarily civilian-focused, with key contributors including the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and various private universities. However, military applications have surged recently, partly inspired by reports of successful wireless charging for drones tested by Chinese scientists.
In summary, Japan’s Ministry of Defense is making significant strides in innovating high-power microwave technology, underlining a strategic pivot in defense capabilities that leverages international partnerships for enhanced security measures.
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