While trials the Bayraktar TB2, Minister Gen Nakatani visited Ankara for cooperation and tech-sharing talks as TB2 UAV evaluations continue back in Japan.
Japan’s Defence Minister Gen Nakatani met Secretary of Defence Industries (SSB) Haluk Görgün in Ankara as Tokyo proceeds with flight and systems trials of the Bayraktar TB2. Görgün said the meeting addressed cooperation opportunities, technology sharing and long-term strategic steps, thanking the minister for his constructive engagement.
The timing underscores a convergence of diplomacy and procurement. On 13 August 2025, Mainichi Shimbun reported that the Self-Defence Forces are assessing both the Turkish TB2 and Israel’s Heron-2 (Heron MK II), examining operational performance, range, payload and ISR capability. TurDef previously reported on Heron MK II trials; the new report adds that TB2 is also under evaluation.
Japan’s parallel testing comes amid heightened regional tension driven by Chinese activity in the East China Sea and North Korea’s continued missile launches. The evaluations are aimed at strengthening surveillance and deterrence across the southwestern island chain and adjacent waters.
The Heron-2 offers extended endurance and advanced sensor integration, while the TB2 is noted for lower operating cost, agility and combat-proven effectiveness. According to Mainichi, the process could lead to Tokyo inducting one—or both—systems, broadening Japan’s unmanned aerial fleet.
Japan’s current defence minister, Gen Nakatani, is on a trip to Türkiye (Ankara/Istanbul). Japan’s MOD posted an official readout of his 19 August 2025 meeting with Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler; there’s no mention of Israel on the itinerary. Major wires covering the trip also describe stops in Türkiye (and, per some reports, other regional stops like Djibouti/Jordan), but do not list Israel. The most recent Japan–Israel item from the MOD is an earlier courtesy call in Tokyo by Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar on 14 May 2025—not a visit by Nakatani to Israel.
Author: Özgür Ekşi
