On July 21, 2026, the Japanese government approved its “Japan Growth Strategy” during a Cabinet meeting. Under this strategy, eVTOLs have been included as a key technology within the “17 Strategic Fields (Aviation and Space),” marking the sector for focused national investment and support, according to a press release from eVTOL developer SkyDrive.
The “Japan Growth Strategy” outlines the government’s policy for intensive, public-private investment and support in crucial sectors designed to drive Japan’s economic growth and bolster its global competitiveness. The economic and strategic importance of eVTOLs has been reaffirmed as a foundational industry that will support next-generation mobility and help solve pressing social issues, says the company.
As part of the strategy the government will support validating flight and vertiport operations and establishing the institutional frameworks necessary for commercial rollout while developing core technologies, such as automated/autonomous flight and extended range capabilities, alongside investment support for demonstration facilities, production equipment, and suppliers.
According to SkyDrive’s Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Founder and CEO: “We are deeply encouraged by the government’s decision to designate eVTOLs as a core technology within the 17 Strategic Fields of the ‘Japan Growth Strategy.’ With the global market projected to reach approximately 200 trillion yen by 2040, this strategy reaffirms the importance of establishing unique business models that leverage the compact, lightweight nature of our aircraft to lead the world in commercial rollout. The inclusion of clear national strategies—such as securing an autonomous technological base and driving the international standardization of certification—provides a massive tailwind for SkyDrive as we develop our multi-rotor aircraft and work to pioneer this new industry.”
For more information
https://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisaku/nipponseichosenryaku/pdf/jgs2026en.pdf
https://skydrive.co.jp/en/news/72818/
(Image: Shutterstock – Japan’s Diet Building, Tokyo)