KDDI Smart Drone
About
About KDDI Smart Drone
KDDI Smart Drone links aircraft and automated ports to remote operators over cellular networks, with satellite connectivity available where terrestrial coverage is absent. Its service can include aircraft selection, maintenance, regulatory preparation, flight execution and continuous monitoring, allowing customers to commission inspection, surveying, disaster-response, security, agriculture or logistics outcomes without maintaining an internal flight team.
The company was established in 2022 as a KDDI subsidiary and Japan Airlines later joined as a shareholder and business partner. In July 2026 it completed a drone-control test using au Starlink Direct in a cellular dead zone, extending the communications layer beyond 4G coverage. Its Tokyo operation also provides aircraft sales, training and drone-port integration, and listed 86 employees as of April 2026.
Team
- Masafumi Hirono - Representative Director and President - Founding president of the operating subsidiary since April 2022.
Timeline
Events
- 2026-07-22 - Capability - KDDI Smart Drone controls an aircraft directly over au Starlink Direct
The flying aircraft exchanged control signals and telemetry directly through Starlink Mobile. The May demonstration took place in Takahagi, Ibaraki, and was announced on 22 July. KDDI described it as Japan's first drone flight-control demonstration using direct Starlink Mobile communication.
Source - 2026-05-21 - Capability - KDDI Smart Drone demonstrates one-operator control of 10 drones
KDDI and KDDI Smart Drone completed a multi-site demonstration in which one remote operator managed ten drones using telemetry-led monitoring. Ten drones operated across multiple regions from 23 March to 27 April 2026. The test validated telemetry-led monitoring and procedures for handling simultaneous anomalies.
Source - 2023-11-28 - Partnership - JAL and KDDI Smart Drone form capital and business alliance
Japan Airlines and KDDI Smart Drone signed a business alliance, and JAL agreed to acquire shares through a third-party allotment. The alliance covers drone delivery and one-to-many flight operations. JAL joined KDDI as a shareholder in KDDI Smart Drone.
Source
Relations
Relationships
- Japan Airlines
Capital And Business Alliance Partner - Japan Airlines and KDDI Smart Drone formed a business and capital alliance for drone delivery and one-to-many operations.
- KDDI Corporation
Parent Company - KDDI Smart Drone is a consolidated KDDI subsidiary established to operate KDDI's drone business.