JISDA, a Japanese defense tech startup, has introduced a low-cost, domestically produced fixed-wing drone priced at around 70,000 yen, or roughly $450 per unit.
The drone, called the ACM-01 “Shiraha,” was officially announced on April 14, 2026, and is designed primarily as a training platform. Instead of being preserved, it is meant to be used extensively, even damaged, and easily replaced.
The Shiraha features a 1.9-meter wingspan and a wooden airframe, with all components sourced and manufactured within Japan. The company emphasizes that the low price is not a promotional tactic but the result of simplifying the design to meet only essential training requirements, reducing costs at every level without focusing on high-end performance.
While built for training, the platform can be upgraded for short-range operational use. Enhancements such as extended range, improved communications, and additional features can be added, though these increase the overall cost beyond the base price.
CEO Shota Kunii said the goal is to shift how drones are viewed in Japan — from expensive, limited-use equipment to practical tools that can be deployed repeatedly in real-world scenarios. According to him, the pricing reflects a broader strategy focused on scalability and accessibility rather than just affordability.
JISDA is also offering the drone as part of a larger system called Skill House, which combines training, storage, maintenance, and resupply into a single package. This approach is designed to remove logistical barriers and encourage more frequent training, without concerns about damaging costly equipment.
The use of wood in the airframe is a deliberate choice, as it is readily available, easy to process, and does not require complex manufacturing infrastructure. For a platform intended to be expendable during training, this material offers a practical balance between cost and functionality.
The development of the Shiraha is based on nearly three years of field research conducted by JISDA’s founding team in Ukraine before the company was formally established in November 2025. This research focused on how drones are used in real-world conflict conditions, including wear and tear, rapid adaptation, and supply chain demands under high usage.
With its low cost and domestic production, the Shiraha stands out as one of the most affordable fixed-wing drones in Japan’s defense sector. Its long-term success will depend on whether defense users embrace the company’s approach, which prioritizes volume and replaceability over high individual performance.
