Japan's government plans to provide countries in Asia and beyond with drones under a new cooperation framework called Official Security Assistance, or OSA.

Japan established the new framework in 2023. It seeks to deepen security cooperation with like-minded countries by offering defense equipment and other materials.

The government increased its OSA budget for the next fiscal year starting in April by nearly 20 million dollars to about 53 million. The assistance package will allow Japan to provide more drones to countries in Asia and beyond.

Government sources say these countries want to secure drones to strengthen security. But they are reluctant to procure drones made in China and elsewhere due to fears of the leak of classified information.

Meanwhile, demand for Japanese-made drones is rising as they gain a reputation for high reliability and quality.

The government is tapping about 80 Japanese companies to collect information on such products.

It hopes to use the provision of drones under the framework to deepen cooperation with like-minded countries, while strengthening the foundation of the related domestic industries.