Japan weighs using drones to chase away foreign aircraft

Scrambling manned jets becomes costly as frequency rises

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Scrambling fighter jets has become costly for Japan as the Chinese military steps up activity in the East China Sea. (Photo by Suzu Takahashi)

SHUNSUKE SHIGETA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japan's Self-Defense Forces are considering sending drones instead of manned jets to intercept foreign aircraft approaching its sovereign airspace.

The SDF will first test drones in drills to chase warships as soon as this year, seeking to gauge performance and functionality.

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