Japan's Terra Drone Boosts Cooperation with Saudi Aramco for Inspections

Japanese startup Terra Drone has signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Aramco to enhance the inspection of oil and gas facilities. The agreement sets the stage for test runs to begin later this year and extend into early 2026, with full-scale inspection operations expected to commence in 2027. If awarded the final contract, this project would become Terra Drone’s largest in the sector, potentially generating billions of yen in revenue over three to five years.

Terra Drone’s expansion in the Middle East was bolstered by the establishment of its subsidiary, Terra Drone Arabia, in 2023 following a $14 million investment from Saudi Aramco’s venture capital arm, Wa’ed Ventures. The collaboration supports local technological innovation initiatives, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and reinforcing efforts to develop in-Kingdom capabilities through advanced drone technology and training programs.