Tokyo eyes drone-powered warships as China challenge grows

Japan plans to begin developing unmanned naval vessels as part of efforts to strengthen its maritime security capabilities in response to growing concerns over China.

The initiative will be included in the government’s budget for the next fiscal year, according to the Yomiuri newspaper.

Tokyo intends to integrate maritime drones with patrol vessels and unmanned aerial vehicles, while also revising key national security strategy documents before the end of the year.

Beginning in the next fiscal year, Japanese shipbuilding companies will launch research into autonomous navigation technologies, surveillance systems and equipment designed to stop suspicious vessels.

By Jeyhun Aghazada