1. Japan's Defense Ministry plans to acquire 23 SeaGuardian drones from a US defense company for enhanced patrol capabilities, addressing personnel shortages.
2. The drones, each 11 meters long with 24-hour flight endurance, will be deployed at two bases: Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima and Hachinohe Air Base in Aomori.
3. The drone operations are scheduled to start at the Kanoya Air Base in fiscal 2027, with the Self-Defense Forces taking over the following year. A schedule for Hachinohe Air Base is yet to be decided. Flight routes will be designed to minimize noise.
2. The drones, each 11 meters long with 24-hour flight endurance, will be deployed at two bases: Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima and Hachinohe Air Base in Aomori.
3. The drone operations are scheduled to start at the Kanoya Air Base in fiscal 2027, with the Self-Defense Forces taking over the following year. A schedule for Hachinohe Air Base is yet to be decided. Flight routes will be designed to minimize noise.
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Summary
Japan intends to purchase 23 SeaGuardian drones from a US defense company for improved patrol capacities due to personnel shortages. The drones, each 11 meters long with 24-hour flight endurance, will be stationed at Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima and Hachinohe Air Base in Aomori from fiscal 2027