Japan Self-Defense Forces Plan to Equip AI Unmanned Underwater Vehicles

Reference News Network reported on August 16 According to Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun on August 14, by the fiscal year 2031, the Japan Self-Defense Forces will equip unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) that are equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) systems and have long-range navigation capabilities.

The Ministry of Defense has already begun coordination work in this direction. The equipment will adopt a modular design, allowing for payload changes based on mission requirements, and can be applied in various scenarios such as missile and torpedo launches, surveillance, and ocean observation. Relevant guidelines will be included in the "Three Security Documents" that are scheduled to be revised within the year.

Several informed sources from the Ministry of Defense revealed this news. Compared to manned submarines, unmanned underwater vehicles are less expensive and can be deployed in large numbers. The operational model envisioned by the Ministry of Defense is to have unmanned underwater vehicles work in coordination with manned submarines to strengthen the defense of critical maritime routes such as the Miyako Strait and the Osumi Strait. In addition, the Self-Defense Forces can use unmanned underwater vehicles to assist in the defense of the southwestern islands.

The new type of unmanned underwater vehicle will adopt a modular design, achieving multifunctionality through equipment changes. They will navigate autonomously with the support of AI systems and use large-capacity batteries to carry out long-term missions in vast ocean areas. (Translated by Ma Xiaoyun)