Japan will leave the maritime patrol missions to General Atomic’s MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAV instead of an aircraft to enhance surveillance of its maritime zones.
Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) will acquire a total of 23 SeaGuardians, aiming to monitor the movements of the Chinese Navy and the Coast Guard, which “extend” their action throughout the western Pacific. The General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) SeaGuardians have two maritime surveillance radars, an Automatic Identification System receiver, and a video sensor with optical and infrared cameras. They will not be armed as they will not carry Hellfire missiles or light torpedoes, although this may be added later. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2028 and be completed in 2032.
