News Izumo drone video most likely fake

Under the law, drones are prohibited from flying without permission over defense-related facilities, which include the Yokosuka base. Kihara declined to discuss surveillance measures, explaining that "specific details could reveal our base security capabilities." "We have been monitoring drones and other flights under strict surveillance on a regular basis," he said.

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The Defense Ministry has concluded that a viral video of Japan's largest destroyer appears to be real, stating it is highly likely a drone illegally flew over Yokosuka Naval Base to film it. The ministry, which had previously suggested that the video could be fake, reached its conclusion after analyzing the footage, including plants and structures around the base, officials said on 9 May. "The incident could cause a serious problem for the defense of our country," Defense Minister Minoru Kihara told a news conference on 10 May. "We take it extremely seriously." Kihara said the ministry plans to introduce more advanced equipment to deal with difficult-to-detect drones and will use jamming technology to force landings.

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In a recent online interview in English with Kyodo News, the individual claimed he was "not intercepted" operating the drone, but declined to disclose details about when the footage was taken or the drone's takeoff and landing location. He dispelled rumors that the video was fake and generated by artificial intelligence, saying, "All the footages I posted are filmed by myself." The individual, who said he left Japan after taking the footage and is currently in China, acknowledged he was aware the act was illegal and promised not to do it again. "I do not have intention to provoke international conflict. I just did it for fun," he said.

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