Foreign Media: Japan May Focus on Enhancing the Ability to Intercept Large-scale Drone Swarms
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) website on March 1, 2026: Japan may be working to enhance its ability to intercept large-scale unmanned systems swarms in order to strengthen its overall air defense network. This improvement will enable Japan to resist military actions that China may take to prevent Japan from intervening in a sudden crisis in the Taiwan Strait.
Japanese media on February 21 cited unnamed government sources, stating that the Japanese government plans to upgrade its multi-layered air defense network by adding systems specifically designed to counter large drone swarms. The sources said that this upgrade is part of the broader effort led by Prime Minister Takahashi Asako to revise the "National Security Strategy," "National Defense Strategy," and "Defense Force Readiness Plan." Japanese media reported that the government is considering investing in laser and microwave weapon systems capable of dealing with multiple aerial targets at once.
Japan currently plans to use the domestically produced 03-type medium-range surface-to-air missile to intercept drones, although the system was originally designed to intercept aircraft and cruise missiles. Investing in high-energy weapons could provide Japan with a more cost-effective means to deal with large-scale unmanned system clusters.
China may deploy drones (including in swarm mode) in military actions targeting Japan, in an attempt to prevent Japan from intervening in a sudden crisis in the Taiwan Strait. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and the Center for Defining Operational Threats (CDOT) previously assessed that the People's Liberation Army is intensifying efforts to integrate various unmanned systems into its operational concepts. China has previously deployed drones during exercises surrounding Taiwan.
China Central Television (CCTV) released a video on February 22 showcasing the drone projects of the National University of Defense Technology and highlighting its serious emphasis on building the infrastructure for swarm technology. China may use drone swarms to suppress Japan's air defense systems, especially around key military facilities near China such as Japanese ports, airports, and radar stations. Japan's development of specialized systems to intercept large-scale drone swarms will enhance its capability to resist such attacks.
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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1858606533514633/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.