Japan will Deploy Drones with Dirni Warning System in the Pacific Ocean

GOES imagery: CSU/CIRA & NOAA via Wikimedia Commons

JAKARTA - The Japanese government is reportedly considering deploying drones with early warning radars.

The Yomiuri newspaper, citing a source, reported that this step is aimed at strengthening surveillance in the Pacific Ocean, which is considered one of the "blind spots" of Japan's early warning system.

The drone is equipped with a radar that is usually used on airborne early warning aircraft. The system allows for early detection of low-flying aircraft, ships, and other targets that are more difficult to detect from land or from ships due to their visibility above the horizon.

One option being considered is the American maritime surveillance drone MQ-9B Sea Guardian, which is planned to begin deployment by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force in fiscal year 2027 (April 1, 2027 - March 31, 2028).

The drone is capable of flying long-term, with a range of about 4,900 kilometers.

In addition, the Japanese government plans to deploy mobile surveillance radars on Iwo Jima and Chichijima in the Ogasawara Islands.

The newspaper emphasized that the strengthening of the Pacific Ocean surveillance system is planned to be included in three major security documents that will be reviewed by the government by the end of this year.