The U.S. Air Force was keen to emphasis however that "test launches are not a response or reaction to world events or regional tensions".
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke by telephone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday.
The programme seeks to develop and demonstrate air launch and air recovery of up to four unmanned aerial systems, known as Gremlins, within 30 minutes.
BAE say that the capability will help U.S. Army achieve long range precision strikes beyond 70 kilometres by 2023.
BAE Systems has received a $179 million contract from the U.S. Army.
The initial scoping phase will run through to December 2020.
Minister Iwaya reiterated that the warship would not be an "attack aircraft carrier" capable of offensive military operations, although it's hard to see how that distinction can be made.
The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a nearly $1.2 billion contract to build the first lot of eight advanced F-15EX fighter jets.
An explosion has occurred onboard the USS Bonhomme Richard while in her home port at Naval Base San Diego undergoing maintenance, resulting in a significant fire.
Elbit Systems has integrated a mini-UAS onboard the Seagull Unmanned Surface Vessel.
