Japan's defense force to deploy U.S.-made surveillance drones

SeaGuardian vehicles, with range of 4,800 km, to monitor vessels at sea

20241115N drone

The SeaGuardian drone can operate for 24 hours nonstop at a range of 4,800 kilometers. (Japan Coast Guard)

SHINNOSUKE NAGATOMI, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will deploy the U.S.-made SeaGuardian large drone to strengthen surveillance in waters, the Defense Ministry said Friday.

The SeaGuardians are expected to go into operation in the fiscal year beginning April 2028, with the drone fleet expanding to 23 units by around fiscal 2023.

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