Japan's Defense Ministry is deploying cardboard drones manufactured by AirKamuy that cost roughly $2,000 each and ship flatpacked for assembly. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is currently using them as target drones for training exercises, signaling Tokyo's shift toward low-cost, expendable unmanned systems. Multiple defense publications confirm the initiative reflects Japan's strategy to scale drone operations while keeping per-unit costs minimal — critical for a nation facing budget constraints while competing in unmanned warfare capabilities alongside China and South Korea.