Drone footage of Japan destroyer Izumo reveals security hole

Video posted on Chinese site, but drone detection is difficult, experts say

20240516N drone over SDF ship

A video that was uploaded to Bilibili appears to show footage taken from a drone flying over the Izumo at Yokosuka naval base. (Screenshot of a Bilibili video)

SHINNOSUKE NAGATOMI, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- A viral video purporting to show overhead drone footage of Japan's largest destroyer has raised grave concerns about the ability of the Japan Self-Defense Forces to detect potential threats.

The footage of the JS Izumo was first posted on Chinese video-sharing platform Bilibili. Japan's Defense Ministry said May 9 it has determined the video appears authentic and that a drone likely flew over Yokosuka naval base to film the destroyer.

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