Japan to Mass Produce Unmanned Surface Vessels
According to a report by Reference News Network on September 10, the Japan Economic News reported on September 8 that the Onomichi Shipbuilding Company will begin constructing unmanned surface vessels, which are planned for military logistics transport and can also deliver relief supplies during disasters, aiming to secure procurement from the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military.
The government of Sanna Takachi has included "shipbuilding" and "defense" in the 17 strategic areas of key investment, and unmanned surface vessels are a measure that spans these two major fields. Onomichi Shipbuilding will leverage its accumulated technology in areas such as tanker construction, striving to establish a system capable of producing 30 to 50 unmanned surface vessels by 2028.
Onomichi Shipbuilding will mass-produce unmanned surface vessels developed by its investment in the U.S. startup Fortis Power at its domestic factories.
Fortis Power is developing a small transport vessel capable of autonomous navigation, designed to deliver containers filled with water, food, fuel, medical supplies, ammunition, and other materials to their destinations.
This vessel is specifically designed for resupply to beaches and other locations without port facilities, capable of transporting goods in water as shallow as 20 centimeters. It is equipped with advanced sensors and artificial intelligence control technology, allowing it to reach its destination without relying on the Global Positioning System (GPS).
Traditionally, vessels delivered to the Japanese Ministry of Defense have been almost entirely constructed by giants like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Onomichi Shipbuilding ranks sixth in construction volume within Japan, previously focusing on commercial ship manufacturing. However, the entry barrier for unmanned surface vessels for defense transport is not high.
The Ministry of Defense plans to achieve a "synchronized, hybrid, integrated, and enhanced coastal defense" system (SHIELD) by the fiscal year 2027, aiming to strengthen coastal defense through the combined use of various drones. Unmanned surface vessels are also referred to as "water drones," and the SHIELD concept also includes drones that can operate on the surface and underwater. (Translated by Ma Xiaoyun)
Japan's Onomichi Shipbuilding Company will begin mass production of unmanned surface vessels intended for military logistics and disaster relief. The vessels are designed to operate in shallow waters and will utilize advanced sensors and AI for navigation. The production aims to establish a system capable of producing 30 to 50 vessels by 2028, aligning with Japan's strategic defense initiatives.
- Japan's Onomichi Shipbuilding Company plans to produce unmanned surface vessels for military and disaster relief purposes.
- The vessels will be capable of transporting supplies in shallow waters.
- The production system aims to build 30 to 50 vessels by 2028.
- The vessels will utilize advanced sensors and AI technology for navigation without GPS.
- The Japanese government has prioritized shipbuilding and defense as strategic investment areas.