Yes AS Java is needed to configure ADS. This are the prerequisite for the ADS configuration
License
Configuration
SAP NetWeaver 6.40 and above
Java Stack installed
Adobe Document Services (ADS) installed on the Java Stack
If using ABAP, RFC communication must be established between ABAP and Java stacks
For more details please follow the link below.
https://help.sap.com/saphelp_nwpi71/helpdata/en/37/504b8cbc2848a494facfdc09a359b1/frameset.htm