Japan is deploying ultra-cheap cardboard drones built for swarm warfare and expendable combat missions — $2,000 expendable combat drones cost less than some gaming PCs

Japan is utilizing ultra-cheap cardboard drones developed by AirKamuy for swarm warfare and expendable combat missions. The AirKamuy 150 drone, made primarily from corrugated cardboard, costs around $2,000 per unit, significantly lower than conventional military drones. The drones are designed for extreme affordability and mass production, with the ability to travel 50 miles, stay airborne for 80 minutes, and carry payloads up to three pounds. The use of cardboard construction not only reduces costs but also potentially lowers radar detectability, making tracking more challenging. This shift towards low-cost, expendable autonomous systems in military operations reflects a growing trend in modern warfare.