A Japanese startup, Terra Drone, specializing in using drones for surveying and inspecting energy infrastructure, is increasing collaboration with Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil company, Aramco, for inspecting oil and gas facilities. Terra Drone revealed to Reuters that they have signed a memorandum of understanding with Aramco to conduct test runs inspecting the oil giant's facilities in Saudi Arabia later this year and in the following year.

The actual inspection operations are scheduled to commence in 2027, according to Terra Drone. Winning the final contract from Aramco would mark the biggest achievement for Terra Drone regarding drone inspections of oil and gas facilities.

CEO and founder of Terra Drone, Toru Tokushige, mentioned to Reuters that they are targeting billions of yen in sales over a medium to long-term period of three to five years.

Terra Drone established a subsidiary in Saudi Arabia back in 2023 when it secured $14 million in funding from Wa'ed Ventures, the venture capital arm of Aramco.

While Terra Drone has been conducting inspections and surveys in the Middle East, it had not worked with Aramco before. Currently, Aramco resorts to setting up scaffolding for two to three weeks for employees to visually inspect storage tanks and other facilities.

Apart from infrastructure inspections, Terra Drone is also involved in developing traffic management systems for unmanned aircraft and providing drones for the application of fertilizers and pesticides in crops.

The company got listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market 250 Index in November 2024 but has not yet achieved profitability.