Japanese media: Japan decides to introduce large U.S. drones to monitor Diaoyu Islands
[Global Times-Global Network Reporter Ma Jun] After more than a year of trial use of the U.S. "Sea Defender" drone, Japan has finally decided to introduce this large drone for surveillance "near the Diaoyu Islands." Active Chinese Coast Guard Vessels".
Japan's Kyodo News said on April 2 that the Japan Coast Guard confirmed that it has selected General Atomics' "Sea Defender" (MQ-9B) large unmanned aerial vehicle, which will begin testing in 2020, "to strengthen the monitoring of surrounding waters." surveillance". At present, Hachinohe Airport in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture is planned to be used as a base, and we are coordinating this and strive to start operation in October.
The Coast Guard said that the introduction cost of the "Sea Guard" is about 4 billion yen (about 200 million yuan), and the contract is 3 years. The next step will be to discuss the introduction of multiple UAVs of this type after 2023 to expand surveillance. range of possibilities. According to the Japanese side, the method of entrusting external control will be adopted in the future, and the Japanese side will only send 13 people to analyze the intelligence collected by the drone.
According to reports, the "Sea Guardian" has a total length of 11.7 meters and a width of 24.0 meters, with a battery life of up to 35 hours. The theoretical voyage can circle Japan's exclusive economic zone for a week and return.
According to reports, the Japan Coast Guard said that previous test results confirmed the safety of the large drone and the accuracy of image transmission. "In recent years, it has become very important to respond to the Chinese coast guard ships that have strengthened marine activities around the Diaoyu Islands, and to alert foreign ships to illegal operations near high-quality fishing grounds in the Sea of Japan. The introduction of drones can improve business efficiency and reduce front-line burdens."
