by Our Correspondent in Colombo
Japan is set to provide Sri Lanka with free surveillance drones under its Official Security Assistance (OSA) program, a move aimed at strengthening regional security as concerns grow over China’s maritime expansion, Nikkei has learned.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will meet Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Tokyo on Monday, where the two leaders are expected to sign an agreement enabling the drone transfer. The drones, designed primarily for maritime surveillance and disaster response, highlight Tokyo’s growing role in supporting like-minded Asian nations seeking to safeguard their sovereignty.
Sri Lanka’s strategic position along key sea lanes linking Asia with the Middle East and Africa makes it a critical partner. While China has deepened its influence in the island nation through infrastructure and economic projects, Sri Lanka has maintained a stance of neutrality. Japan’s latest move reflects its broader push to bolster ties in South Asia without directly escalating U.S.-China tensions.
Tokyo has already been offering Asian nations a catalog of Japanese-made drones, complete with specifications and prices, under the OSA framework. The initiative not only enhances security cooperation but also opens doors for Japanese businesses in defense-related equipment and services.
Earlier this week, Japan delivered 14 drones to Malaysia, marking the first such transfer under the OSA. Malaysian personnel had previously undergone pilot training in Japan, underscoring Tokyo’s efforts to build long-term defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
In addition to defense cooperation, the Japanese government is expected to unveil an economic corridor plan alongside the Ishiba-Dissanayake summit. The initiative will promote investment in Sri Lanka and boost exports to the Middle East and Africa, with Tokyo stressing that economic stability is key to regional security.
A senior Japanese Foreign Ministry official emphasized the shift in approach: “Until now, Japan felt uncomfortable dealing diplomatically with militaries, but we can no longer afford to say that.”
Launched in fiscal 2023, the OSA program has become a cornerstone of Japan’s defense support, complementing traditional aid to coast guards. Key recipients so far include the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, with Sri Lanka now set to join the growing list.
