Japan is studying ways to expand its surveillance capabilities in the Pacific Ocean through the possible deployment of drones equipped with early warning radars, amid rising military tensions with China.
The Japanese government is considering the MQ-9B SeaGuardian as the leading candidate for the mission, integrating the project into the national defense strengthening plan that is expected to be updated later this year.
In addition to the use of unmanned aircraft, Tokyo also plans to install mobile radar systems on strategic islands such as Iwo Jima and Chichijima in the Ogasawara archipelago. The measure aims to increase monitoring capabilities over areas considered vulnerable in the Western Pacific, especially in light of growing Chinese military activity in the region.
According to Japanese government sources, the drones would allow continuous surveillance for long periods and help detect aircraft, ships, and missiles at great distances, something ground-based radars struggle to achieve due to horizon limitations.
Currently, Japan uses manned E-2D Hawkeye aircraft for this type of operation, but unmanned platforms are viewed as a more flexible and safer alternative.
The move comes amid growing concerns over possible crisis scenarios involving Taiwan and the expansion of China’s naval presence in the Pacific. In recent months, simultaneous operations by Chinese aircraft carriers and incidents involving military aircraft from both countries have heightened concerns among Japanese authorities, who view islands such as Iwo Jima and Minamitorishima as strategic points for regional defense and surveillance.
🇯🇵🇨🇳JAPAN eyes early warning drones to counter CHINA threat.
Japan’s government is moving to deploy early warning radar-equipped drones over the Pacific Ocean as part of a significant expansion of its surveillance and deterrence posture against China, with the MQ-9B SeaGuardian… pic.twitter.com/yfvIjM2TQq
— Global Surveillance (@Globalsurv) May 18, 2026
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Source: Defence Blog | Photo: X @GenAtomics_ASI | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
