A Japan Coast Guard ship passes before a container terminal in Tokyo, Japan. Photo by FRANCK ROBICHON / EPA
July 19 (Asia Today) -- Japan plans to develop uncrewed surveillance vessels for its Coast Guard as it seeks to monitor China's expanding maritime activities and address a growing shortage of personnel.
The vessels would become part of an integrated surveillance system combining uncrewed aircraft, crewed patrol vessels and autonomous ships capable of operating for extended periods in waters far from Japan.
The Japanese government will begin research and development with domestic shipbuilders and other companies in fiscal 2027, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported Sunday.
The government plans to include related expenses in its fiscal 2027 budget proposal. It also intends to outline the introduction of the vessels in three key security documents, including its National Security Strategy, that are scheduled to be revised by the end of this year.
