Airbus and Kawasaki to Study a Japanese Anti-Submarine Eurodrone

On 26 June 2026, Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries signed a memorandum of understanding to study a Japanese anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol variant of the U950 Eurodrone, according to Airbus. The study covers candidate configurations, the integration of Japanese sensors and effectors including sonobuoys and torpedoes, manned-unmanned teaming with Kawasaki's P-1 patrol aircraft, and workshare for Japanese industry. Japan has held observer status in the four-nation, OCCAR-managed Eurodrone programme since 2023, and the memorandum is the first formal step from observer toward a potential industrial role, years before the platform's targeted 2029 first flight.