Drones spotted over Genkai Nuclear Plant in Japan

Three unidentified aerial objects, believed to be drones, were detected over the Genkai Nuclear Power Station in southwestern Japan, prompting concern from the country’s nuclear watchdog.

The incident occurred on the night of July 26, with authorities confirming the intrusion the next day after revising their earlier report, Caliber.Az reports via Kyodo. 

The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) said it received information about the incident from Kyushu Electric Power Co., the operator of the four-reactor facility in Saga Prefecture.

The drones were reportedly seen around 9 p.m. local time, but no abnormalities were found in the plant’s operations or radiation levels, and there was no risk posed to nearby communities.

“Drone flights over or near nuclear power plants are prohibited, and this kind of intrusion is extremely unusual,” an NRA official stated. Local authorities also confirmed that radiation levels around the complex remained normal, and no evacuation orders were issued.

The Genkai complex is currently undergoing partial decommissioning, with reactors No. 1 and 2 being dismantled. Reactors No. 3 and 4 resumed operations in 2018 after upgrades to meet stricter safety regulations introduced in the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

An investigation into the drone sightings is underway.

By Sabina Mammadli