Japan is considering significantly expanding the capabilities of its future MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones by equipping them with airborne early warning (AEW) radars, strengthening surveillance over the Pacific Ocean amid growing Chinese military activity in the region.
The initiative is part of a review of the country’s key security documents scheduled for this year and aims to strengthen areas considered vulnerable within Japan’s defense posture.
Tokyo’s concerns have grown in recent years due to frequent Chinese bomber operations through the Bashi Channel and the increasingly regular presence of Chinese aircraft carriers in the Western Pacific. This situation has prompted Japan’s Ministry of Defense to accelerate investments in surveillance systems capable of tracking both ships and aircraft operating far from China’s coastline.
The leading candidate to receive the new sensors is the MQ-9B SeaGuardian, a drone developed by General Atomics and acquired by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to complement the missions of the Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft. The radar under consideration is a pod-mounted model developed by Saab in partnership with the American manufacturer, offering near-360-degree coverage and the ability to detect aircraft and missiles at distances exceeding 300 kilometers.
In addition to aerial surveillance missions, the MQ-9B may also take on more advanced roles in the future, including anti-submarine warfare operations. Equipped with sonobuoy launch systems already tested by the U.S. Navy, the drone could enhance Japan’s maritime monitoring capabilities while reducing the need for large crews—an important advantage as the country faces significant demographic challenges.
Source: Naval News | Photo: X @GenAtomics_ASI | This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
