To nakedly "deter" China, Japan's path toward re-armament is becoming increasingly pronounced, vowing to deploy drones and radar systems to monitor the Pacific and respond to shifts in the Taiwan Strait situation.
According to a front-page report by The Yomiuri Shimbun, the Japanese government is considering introducing drones equipped with early-warning radar systems used by early-warning aircraft into the Self-Defense Forces, aiming to gain comprehensive surveillance capabilities across the Pacific and detect threats at an early stage. Plans include deploying mobile, vehicle-mounted surveillance control radars on Iwo Jima (Tokyo) and Haha-jima Island in the Ogasawara Islands (also Tokyo). By establishing a monitoring network in what is known as the "blank spot" of the Pacific, Japan aims to enhance deterrence and response capabilities against the increasingly active Chinese military forces.
Multiple government sources revealed that the government intends to incorporate guidelines for strengthening the Pacific surveillance and monitoring system into three key security documents—revision of the defense buildup plan and others—to be updated within the year, marking a concrete part of its strategic approach.
The specific drone model equipped with early-warning radar is still under consideration, but the U.S.-made MQ-9B Sea Guardian, a long-endurance drone planned for introduction by fiscal year 2027 by the Maritime Self-Defense Force, is seen as a strong candidate. This drone can remain airborne for extended periods and has a range of approximately 4,900 kilometers.
Early-warning aircraft used for maritime surveillance are also referred to as "airborne radar stations." They outperform ground-based or shipboard radars in detecting low-altitude or distant targets, enabling early detection of low-flying aircraft and ships. With unmanned early-warning drones, continuous surveillance over broader areas becomes possible, while simultaneously reducing manpower requirements and easing the burden on personnel.
Unmanned early-warning drones will utilize runways on Iwo Jima and Minamitorishima (Okinotorishima, Tokyo) to improve operational efficiency.
In addition, efforts will be made to advance radar deployment on islands. On Haha-jima, investigations into deploying mobile radars will begin this fiscal year. Fixed radars currently located on Iwo Jima will be converted to mobile versions.
The Japanese government believes that strengthening the Pacific surveillance and monitoring system is crucial for countering China. It is reported that China’s military is attempting to prevent U.S. forces from approaching the inner side of the so-called "Second Island Chain"—spanning from the Izu Islands to Guam—in the event of an emergency in the Taiwan Strait. The Ogasawara Islands and Iwo Jima lie directly along this island chain.
China’s military activities in the Pacific have been increasing steadily. In June of last year, two aircraft carriers conducted joint operations for the first time. In December of the same year, Japan’s self-defense force aircraft were targeted by radar emissions from carrier-based aircraft aboard a Chinese aircraft carrier.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865483877973004/
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