Japanese Drone Creates Lightning Upon Receiving Command

Japanese scientists have successfully created lightning using a drone for the first time, following a command given to the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The unique technology developed by NTT involves a lightning-proof cage and controlled discharge, opening new potential not only for protection against natural phenomena but also for harnessing their energy, reports TASS.

Experimenters from the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) managed to generate lightning with the help of a specially equipped drone. The tests took place from December 2024 to January 2025 in the Hamada mountain region, 63 miles north of Hiroshima, according to Planet Today.

Two main objectives were set: to protect the UAV from a powerful discharge and to induce a lightning strike. The first problem was addressed by developing a unique lightning-proof cage capable of withstanding a 150-kilohertz strike, which is five times more powerful than an average lightning strike. The cage is designed to distribute the charge evenly across its entire surface, safeguarding the drone’s electronics from damage.

The second challenge proved more difficult. It was necessary to generate discharge through a connector attached to the ground and a high-voltage switch. As soon as sensors detected the approach of a thunderstorm front, the system created a controlled change in the electric field, resulting in a lightning strike at the predetermined location.