The latest in modern warfare? Combat drones constructed almost entirely of cardboard.
Yes, seriously.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense has officially begun the deployment of the AirKamuy 150, an innovative fixed-wing combat drone constructed primarily from corrugated cardboard. Developed by the domestic manufacturer AirKamuy, these "flying shoeboxes" represent a paradigm shift in military procurement, prioritizing affordability and rapid scalability over traditional aerospace complexity.
Priced between $2,000 and $2,500 per unit, the drones are significantly cheaper than competitors like the Iranian Shahed, allowing for massive fleet deployments that were previously cost-prohibitive.
Defense Minister Shinjirō Koizumi confirmed that the Maritime Self-Defense Force is already utilizing these aircraft, which can be fully assembled from a folded state in just five minutes.
Beyond their low cost, the AirKamuy drones boast impressive performance metrics, including a top speed of 62 miles per hour and a flight time of 80 minutes. The true strategic advantage, however, lies in their manufacturing flexibility; because they utilize standard cardboard, they can be produced at any facility equipped with a basic die-cutter rather than specialized aerospace plants. This ensures a robust, decentralized supply chain that can withstand traditional industrial disruptions. As AirKamuy CEO Yamaguchi Takumi noted, the global demand for high-volume, long-distance drones is surging, and these foldable aircraft provide a high-tech solution through surprisingly accessible materials.
source: Wilkins, J. (2026, May 10). Japan Deploying Combat Drones Made of Cardboard. Futurism
