Terra B1
Terra Drone · Japan · Updated
Terra B1 is a Japanese interceptor drone developed by Terra Drone to counter long-range one-way attack drones, selected for mass procurement by Japan's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) on 25 August 2026. It is a domestically produced, more streamlined derivative of the company's Ukraine-proven Terra A1 interceptor.
Overview
ATLA launched a fast-track Early Acquisition Programme for Interceptor Drones in June 2026 to field counter-drone capability quickly, aiming to move from demonstration to mass procurement in roughly three months rather than the one to two years typical of earlier Japanese defence contracts. Terra B1 was one of 38 proposals considered, was selected for a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force demonstration on 15 July 2026, and was the only system of four finalists to pass trials run between mid-July and early August 2026, clearing the way for a mass-procurement contract and deliveries Terra Drone has said it intends to begin in September 2026. ATLA has not disclosed the contract's value or the number of aircraft ordered.
Terra B1 is designed to intercept long-range loitering munitions and one-way attack drones such as Iran-designed Shahed-type types and anti-radar loitering munitions such as the IAI Harpy. It follows Terra Drone's 2026 investment in Ukrainian interceptor-drone developer Amazing Drones and the launch of the Terra A1, which has been used operationally against Shahed-type drones in Ukraine.
Design and capabilities
Terra B1 is rocket-launched and manufactured using 3D printing, a production method Terra Drone says it chose so output can be dispersed across multiple sites, including future "local printing farms," to keep production resilient if a factory is attacked. Compared with the Terra A1, the Terra B1 airframe is more streamlined and omits a pair of control wings fitted to its predecessor. Terra Drone has not published the Terra B1's dimensions, weight, speed, range or endurance; ATLA's evaluation criteria for the competition covered effective range, flight duration, flight distance, maximum and cruising speed, guidance method, the number of aircraft a single operator can control, and launch and recovery methods, but the agency has not released Terra B1's results against them.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Terra B1 intercept?
Long-range one-way attack and loitering drones, including Shahed-type types and anti-radar loitering munitions such as the IAI Harpy.
How is the Terra B1 launched?
It is rocket-launched, and its airframe is manufactured using 3D printing.
Who will operate the Terra B1?
Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, under a contract with Japan's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency.
When was the Terra B1 selected for procurement?
ATLA announced it was the only one of 38 proposals to pass demonstration testing on 25 August 2026, clearing it for mass procurement.
Is the Terra B1 related to the Terra A1?
Yes. It is a more streamlined, Japan-built derivative of the Terra A1, which Terra Drone has supplied for use against Shahed-type drones in Ukraine.
