Defence JMSDF to deploy US-made surveillance drones

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will deploy 23 U.S.-made SeaGuardian drones to enhance maritime surveillance. The drones are expected to be operational by April 2028 and number 23 by fiscal 2023. The Defense Ministry has requested a ¥26.2 billion budget for fiscal 2025 to facilitate this deployment. Each drone, including control systems and accessories, is estimated to cost around ¥12 billion. Equipped with infrared cameras and surveillance radar, the SeaGuardians will monitor vessels at sea. The ministry has yet to make plans to arm the drones.

The large, unmanned aerial vehicles can fly nonstop for 24 hours at a range of 4,800 kilometres. The maximum altitude is about 12,000 metres. The ministry has yet to decide on the location for deploying the SeaGuardians. The Maritime SDF conducted test flights of the SeaGuardian between May 2023 and September of this year. The drones have been used by the Japan Coast Guard since 2022.

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Paywall alert:

There are tons of Ukraine videos where small drones like you and I could buy take out Russian tanks. Not sure what kind of explosives a small drone can carry that have the power to do so much destruction. I saw a picture of a new Chinese weapon they made just to deal with small drones in any future wars they have. It seems to combine radar , microwaves and lasers to destroy them.