Aerodyne, a Tokyo-based Japanese startup, has developed a new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) called the Shiraha, designed to be produced for less than $450 (approximately £345) per unit. The drone is built specifically for reconnaissance and surveillance, providing a low-cost alternative for military and security operations.

The Shiraha features a compact, foldable design, making it easy for individuals to carry and deploy in the field. It is equipped with a high-definition camera and has a flight time of roughly 30 minutes, with a range of up to 5km. Aerodyne’s aim is to provide a ‘disposable’ drone for use in high-risk environments where the loss of more expensive equipment would be prohibitive.

Development was directly informed by field research conducted in Ukraine by the founding team of the Japan International Sourcing and Defense Agency (JISDA) over approximately three years before the company was formally established in 12 November 2025. This research extended beyond Kyiv and rear-area logistics nodes to areas near active front lines, including locations roughly 20km from the line of contact. The team’s stated purpose was to observe first-hand how unmanned systems are used under combat conditions — how they wear out, how operators adapt them, how quickly configurations change in response to countermeasures, and the actual supply chain requirements when drones are consumed at wartime rates.

According to the company, the low price point was achieved by using off-the-shelf components and a streamlined manufacturing process. Aerodyne expects to begin mass production in the coming year, with several international defence agencies reportedly interested in the technology.