Red Cat to Deliver 173 Black Widow Drone Systems to Japanese Army under JFY26 Contract
Red Cat will deliver 173 Black Widow sUAS systems to the Japanese Army under Japan Fiscal Year 2026 funding with partners HAMA K.K., ITOCHU Aviation Co. and U.S. ITOCHU Aviation. Each system includes two aircraft, a WEB ground control station, components, in-country training and spare-parts support for readiness.
1. Contract Award Details
Red Cat has secured a contract to supply 173 Black Widow unmanned systems to the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force under Japan Fiscal Year 2026 funding as the result of a competitive acquisition led by the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency of Japan’s Ministry of Defense.
2. Delivery and Support Structure
Deliveries will be executed in partnership with HAMA K.K., ITOCHU Aviation Co. and U.S.-based ITOCHU Aviation, Inc., with each system comprising two Black Widow aircraft, a WEB ground control station and components, supplemented by in-country training, light maintenance and a spare-parts support agreement.
3. Strategic and Regional Impact
This marks Red Cat’s second Asia-Pacific military sale after the Australian Army order, reinforcing its NDAA-compliant flagship solution and setting the stage for licensed manufacturing agreements and expanded local maintenance capabilities in Japan.