Yun Ruijing

It is reported that Japan Coast Guard has officially begun deploying MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs imported from the US for aerial patrol missions. In addition, Japan is also considering acquiring the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 UAVs to further boost its unmanned combat capabilities. What is Japan's underlying intent in continuously strengthening its use of UAVs?

Reports indicate that the Japan Coast Guard has officially deployed MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs equipped with advanced radars and surveillance systems. Currently, three units are in operation, with two more expected by fiscal year 2025. Their stated mission includes monitoring China's Diaoyu Dao, the East China Sea, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Japan, as well as supporting maritime disaster response.

Military observer Zhang Xuefeng notes that the primary purpose of Japan's MQ-9B deployments is long-duration reconnaissance and surveillance over islands such as China's Diaoyu Dao and surrounding waters. The MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs are capable of transmitting real-time infrared-optical imagery and radar imagery of targeted areas. In the event of conflict in these waters, they could quickly provide comprehensive situational awareness. By increasing the number of MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs in service, Japan will significantly boost its persistent monitoring capacity in nearby seas. Although currently used for reconnaissance, there remains the possibility that Japan could eventually arm MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs with munitions for land- and sea-attack missions.

The Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) previously used drones mainly for patrol reconnaissance and disaster intelligence gathering. However, in the 2025 fiscal budget, the Japanese Ministry of Defense (JMOD) has decided to introduce attack drones for the first time, and also plans to acquire large drones for cargo transportation.

In April this year, the Japanese Ministry of Defense established a  research team to determine which UAV models to introduce. Among the options, the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB-2 UAVs was selected as a potential addition. According to Zhang Xuefeng, Japan's increased drone procurement is aimed at expanding its military power. The Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 UAVs, having been tested in actual combat and priced relatively low, has become an important option for Japan.

Zhang pointed out that before introducing the MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs, the JSDF had already acquired Global Hawk drones and several types of smaller drones, but these still could not meet Japan's military expansion ambitions. The Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 has combat experience in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, it is relatively affordable. Besides, Türkiye does not attach additional political conditions nor restrict the drone's capabilities during the export process.

Additionally, the Japanese government has started coordinating the inclusion of over 100 billion yen in its 2026 fiscal year budget for the large-scale deployment of defense UAVs. Zhang Xuefeng believes that Japan's so-called defense is merely a façade, and its significant increase in military spending and UAV deployments signal a dangerous path of military expansion that deserves attention.

Zhang points out that Japan's procurement of so-called defense UAVs is a case of misleading intentions. The more Japan emphasizes the defensive nature of these UAVs, the more it reveals their true offensive purpose. With the continuous progress in UAV technology, Japan is expected to procure more types of UAVs in the future, with increasing attack capabilities. For example, Japan plans to acquire suicide UAVs targeting primarily enemy vehicles and other objectives. Japan's development of offensive weapons is becoming increasingly uncontrollable.

Editor's Note: Originally published on military.cnr.cn, this article is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information and opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn.