FOCUS: Japan rethinks defense strategy as Ukraine drone war redefines deterrence

TOKYO - The Russia-Ukraine war has transformed drones into defining weapons of modern warfare, prompting Japan to rethink defense procurement and production amid security challenges from regional powers such as China and North Korea.

Widely regarded by military analysts as the world's first full-scale drone war, the conflict has shown how inexpensive unmanned aircraft can destroy multimillion-dollar tanks and strike deep behind enemy lines.