Japan's Procurement Plan for American Drones Raises Questions
According to a report by Reference News Network on September 29, the Japanese Ministry of Defense is planning to procure a large number of "Sea Guardian" drones manufactured by American companies. In the budget request for the fiscal year 2027, a total of 292.2 billion yen (approximately 1.86 billion USD) has been allocated for the procurement of 17 aircraft and related expenses.
According to reports, the "Sea Guardian" is approximately 11 meters long with a wingspan of about 24 meters, manufactured by General Atomics. The drone is equipped with maritime surveillance radar, has a cruising speed of about 230 kilometers per hour, and can fly continuously for over 24 hours.
The Ministry of Defense had previously listed the procurement costs for 2 and 4 "Sea Guardian" drones in the budgets for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, respectively. Some of the aircraft are planned to be deployed at the Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima Prefecture starting from fiscal year 2027. If this procurement plan is realized, the total number of "Sea Guardian" drones in Japan will reach 23.
The Ministry of Defense stated that this procurement is aimed at strengthening intelligence collection and surveillance, and minimizing personnel casualties during mission execution in emergencies. A relevant official from the Ministry of Defense mentioned that the Japan Self-Defense Forces are understaffed, making drones essential.
However, a member of the Liberal Democratic Party expressed concern in an interview, saying, "Drone technology is evolving rapidly, and the pace of updates is also fast. Instead of spending so much money on an overseas model, it would be better to prioritize the development of domestic drones."
At the same time, there are safety concerns regarding this type of drone. An accident occurred last November when a "Sea Guardian" drone landed at Kitakyushu Airport, causing the propeller and tail to contact the runway, which temporarily closed the runway.
Koji Sugihara, a representative of the civic group "Oppose Arms Trade Network," expressed concerns that if the equipment from American companies increases further, the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military may become more integrated, stating, "The Self-Defense Forces may be forced to participate in operations under the actual command of the U.S. military." (Translated by Ma Xiaoyun)
Japan's Ministry of Defense plans to procure 17 American-made 'Guardian' drones for intelligence and surveillance, with a budget of approximately 292.2 billion yen for fiscal year 2027. This procurement aims to enhance operational capabilities while minimizing personnel casualties. Concerns have been raised about the rapid evolution of drone technology and potential safety issues, as well as the implications for Japan's military integration with U.S. forces.
- Japan's Ministry of Defense plans to procure 17 'Guardian' drones costing approximately 292.2 billion yen (about $1.86 billion).
- The drones are intended for intelligence collection and surveillance to minimize personnel casualties during missions.
- The procurement is part of the fiscal year 2027 budget, with previous purchases planned for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
- Concerns have been raised about the rapid advancement of drone technology and the safety of the 'Guardian' model.
- There are fears regarding increased integration of the Japan Self-Defense Forces with U.S. military operations.