From January 13 to 17, Japan’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developers demonstrated the disaster relief capabilities of their drones on Awaji Island during “Nankai Rescue 2024”. This was the largest disaster response training exercise ever conducted by the Middle Army of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), aimed at preparing for a potential earthquake along the Nankai Trough, located off the Pacific coast of central to southwestern Japan.
Alongside the flight demonstration of the ‘K-RACER-X2,’ an unmanned helicopter unveiled by prime contractor Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. on January 14 and reported by NSBT Japan last week, as well as a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. transport drone, several SMEs announced their participation in JGSDF Nankai Rescue 2024 exercises on Awaji Island, Hyōgo Prefecture in cooperation with the Japan UAS Industry Development Association (JUIDA) [1]. These SMEs included ACSL Ltd., Liberaware Co., Ltd., and Aero G Lab.
On Awaji Island, each SME conducted demonstrations to assess the feasibility of drone operations in collaboration with the JGSDF’s Middle Army [2] as part of potential disaster response measures in event of a Nankai earthquake. Each company showcased UAVs with different capabilities and applications.
ACSL: Aerial Photography Drone “SOTEN” & Logistics Drone “PF4-CAT3”
ACSL, developer of industrial unmanned systems based on autonomous controls research by a laboratory at Chiba University, announced the participation of two of its drones: 1) “SOTEN”, a small made-in-Japan UAV equipped with a camera and advanced communications systems, and 2) ACSL Type “PF4-CAT3”, a dedicated logistics UAV co-developed with Japan Post Co., Ltd.
In its January 14 press release, ACSL explained that, based on a request for cooperation from JUIDA to participate in Nankai Rescue 2024, it planned to make use of “SOTEN” for information gathering and the “PF4-CAT3” for material transport supply [3]. The company describes “SOTEN” as a “made-in-Japan drone with encrypted communications and an optional encrypted Japan-based cloud service. The drone features a swappable camera system, allowing the standard visible camera to be replaced with EO/IR, multispectral, or optical zoom cameras. The company notes that the drone is particularly suitable for operations requiring waterproofing, dustproofing, and strong wind resistance.
SOTEN
Small Aerial Photography Drone
Basic Specifications:
Dimensions: 637mm x 560mm (unfolded – including propellers)
162mm x 363mm (folded)
Standard Camera: 4k video, 20-megapixel images
Weight: 1,720g (including standard camera and battery)
Max. Takeoff Weight: 2,000g
Max. Flight time: 25 mins (with standard camera), 29 mins (without camera)
Meanwhile, the “PF4-CAT3” features a “socially acceptable aircraft design”, enhanced payload capacity, flight distance, and weather resistance. A successful test delivery was conducted in March 2024 in Toyooka City, Hyōgo Prefecture, demonstrating the UAV’s performance and reliability. ACSL aims to advance drone logistics through collaboration with Japan Post and other businesses, accelerating the practical application and social integration of drones in the logistics sector.
PF4-CAT3
Dedicated Logistics Drone
Basic Specifications:
Dimensions: 230mm x 250mm x 60mm
Max. Takeoff Weight: 24.9kg
Max. Flight Distance: Approx. 35km
Max. Loading Weight: 5.0kg
ACSL, referencing its January participation in Nankai Rescue 2024, stated that it would incorporate lessons from 2023’s Noto earthquake, focusing on initial response measures in isolated areas. Additionally, in January, ACSL signed agreements with Tsukubamirai City in Ibaraki Prefecture and Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture to provide drone-based support during disasters in these regions [4].
Liberaware: Small-Sized UAV “IBIS2” for Navigating Inaccessible Spaces
Liberaware, a developer of non-GPS-based industrial small drones headquartered in Chiba, announced on January 15 that it had participated in Nankai Rescue 2024. During the event, the company demonstrated its small drone, “IBIS2,” on Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, showcasing its ability to locate individuals in need of rescue in inaccessible spaces [5].
The company explains that IBIS2 is equipped with a camera and headlights and is designed to operate in narrow, dark, and dangerous spaces while detecting risks. The drone also features a unique dustproof motor and provides IP51-equivalent water and dustproof protection. Additionally, it is equipped with a proprietary extension antenna to establish a wireless communication environment, even in areas where regular radio signals cannot reach. Notably, the drone can take off upside down, enhancing its return rate.
IBIS2
Ultra-Small Inspection Drone for Narrow and Confined Spaces
Basic Specifications
Dimensions: 194mm x 198.5mm x 58mm
Weight: 243g (body: 150g, battery: 93g)
Max. Flight Time: 11 minutes (without payload), 9 minutes (with 40g payload)
Max. Payload: 40g
Headlights: 2 units (total 380lm) with 5-level dimming
Camera Angle of View: 80.1° H：131.0° D：143.9°
Camera Resolution: 1920×1080
Liberaware’s demonstration of the IBIS2 aimed to test several capabilities, including the UAV’s loading compatibility with various vehicles of the JGSDF, its ability to transmit real-time video footage to a remote location using a video transmission device owned by the JGSDF, and the effectiveness of its visible and thermal cameras in locating individuals in need of rescue inside collapsed houses.
A JGSDF Middle Army member evaluated the IBIS2 as ideal for rescue missions and reconnaissance in confined spaces, such as collapsed buildings and tunnels. Its compact size and high performance were noted as valuable for swift and safe information gathering in inaccessible areas, including during nuclear disasters, highlighting its potential across various disaster scenarios.
Liberaware explained that its participation in disaster-response exercises like Nankai Rescue 2024 is part of the company’s efforts to strengthen collaboration with the JGSDF, fire and police departments, and other organizations, which is a key aspect of its business growth strategy.
Aero G Lab: The Hybrid Drone “AeroRange G4-S”
Osaka-based UAV developer Aero G Lab showcased the information-gathering capabilities of its “AeroRange G4-S” on Awaji Island [6]. Marketed as “hybrid drones,” the company’s AeroRange series is equipped with both a gasoline engine and battery.
Aero G Lab explained in its Nankai Rescue 2024 press release that the 3-hour flight time of AeroRange G4-S makes the UAV capable of grasping the situation in widespread disaster areas, monitoring the damage situation at fixed points, and transmitting information quickly and efficiently.
AeroRange G4-S
Hybrid Drone
Basic Specifications
Dimensions: 1,280mm (unfolded – including propellers) 810mm (folded)
Weight: 12.7kg
Maximum Flight Time: 200 minutes (without payload), 150 minutes (with a payload of 3kg, 70 minutes (with a payload of 5kg)
Maximum Payload: 7.0kg
FPV Camera: Full HD
Aero G Lab has emphasized its commitment to developing UAVs that enhance disaster response capabilities. On January 17, the company participated in the “2024 Osaka Prefecture Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster Response Measures Training Exercise” [7] where it demonstrated the AeroRange G4-S transporting emergency supplies.
Conclusions
In Nankai Rescue 2024, numerous Japanese SMEs were able to demonstrate their UAV technology and showcase how their differing strengths—including precision reconnaissance, confined-space navigation, long-range surveillance, and logistics—can complement each other to address the multifaceted challenges posed by large-scale disasters.
Supported by collaboration with the JGSDF and local governments, innovations in unmanned systems have the potential to contribute to strengthening Japan’s disaster response measures.
Although it remains to be seen exactly how the JGSDF will combine and leverage UAV technologies in the event of a disaster, it is clear that organizations like JUIDA can play a critical role in bridging the gap between Japan’s SMEs and the JGSDF by facilitating matching support that aligns cutting-edge technology with operational needs.
Notes:
[1] The Japan UAS Industry Development Association (JUIDA) was established in July 2014 to promote the development and practical use of UAV in Japan. The association provides resources for UAV operation, formulates safety guidelines, and issues JUIDA pilot certificates and safe flight administrator certificates. JUIDA also emphasizes the use of UAV technology in disaster response and recovery, collaborating with government agencies, businesses, and academic institutions to drive the industry’s growth and advancement. https://uas-japan.org/en/
[2] Middle Army JGSDF is one of five regionally-designated armies in Japan. The Middle Army’s area of responsibility includes the defense and disaster relief of the Tokai, Hokuriku, Kinki, Chugoku, and Shikoku regions – approximately 30% of Japan’s landmass. https://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/mae/contents/1-1-aboutus/1-1-aboutus.html
[3] ACSL, “ACSL、陸上自衛隊中部方面隊の災害対処訓練「南海レスキュー2024」に参加”, (ACSL participates in the disaster response training “Nankai Rescue 2024” of the JGSDF Middle Army), January 14, 2025, https://www.acsl.co.jp/news-release/press-release/3964/.
[4] ACSL, “ACSL、愛媛県今治市と災害時等における支援活動等に関する協定を締結”, (ACSL signs agreement with Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture regarding support activities during disasters) Press Release, January 22, 2025, https://www.acsl.co.jp/news-release/press-release/3969/; ACSL, “ＡＣＳＬ、茨城県つくばみらい市と災害時等における支援活動等に関する協定を締結”, (ACSL signs agreement with Tsukubamirai City, Ibaraki Prefecture regarding support activities during disasters”, January 23, 2025, https://www.acsl.co.jp/news-release/press-release/3978/
[5] Liberaware, “南海トラフ地震を想定した大規模訓練「南海レスキュー訓練」に参加”, “Participation in Nankai Rescue, a Large-Scale Drill Simulating a Nankai Trough Earthquake”, January 21, 2025, https://liberaware.co.jp/%E5%8D%97%E6%B5%B7%E3%83%88%E3%83%A9%E3%83%95%E5%9C%B0%E9%9C%87%E3%82%92%E6%83%B3%E5%AE%9A%E3%81%97%E3%81%9F%E5%A4%A7%E8%A6%8F%E6%A8%A1%E8%A8%93%E7%B7%B4%E3%80%8C%E5%8D%97%E6%B5%B7%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B9/
[6] Aero G Lab, “陸上自衛隊中部方面隊主催の「南海レスキュー2024」に参加”, “Participation in “Nankai Rescue 2024” hosted by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Middle Army”, January 21, 2025, https://aerog-lab.com/info/%E9%99%B8%E4%B8%8A%E8%87%AA%E8%A1%9B%E9%9A%8A%E4%B8%AD%E9%83%A8%E6%96%B9%E9%9D%A2%E9%9A%8A%E4%B8%BB%E5%82%AC%E3%81%AE%E3%80%8C%E5%8D%97%E6%B5%B7%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AD%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC2024/
This article was originally posted on NSBT Japan, the first defense and security industry network in Japan. The publication provides the latest information on security business trends both within Japan and overseas. Asian Military Review began exchanging articles with NSBT Japan in April 2024.
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