Japan's defense chief has urged for the enhancement of the country's anti-drone capability following a recent security breach involving a drone flying over a restricted navy port near Tokyo. The incident, which was captured in footage posted on Chinese social media, showed a Japanese aircraft carrier docked at the navy port, raising concerns about national security.
The defense minister acknowledged the seriousness of the security threat posed by the drone incident, emphasizing the need to address vulnerabilities in Japan's defense infrastructure. The drone footage revealed the presence of the JS Izumo, a Japanese helicopter carrier being retrofitted to accommodate stealth fighters, as part of efforts to bolster Japan's counter-strike capability amidst escalating military activities in the Indo-Pacific region.
Ministry officials launched an investigation into the drone incident after the footage surfaced on social media platforms, confirming that the video was likely filmed by a flying drone. The defense minister highlighted the potential risks associated with drones compromising defense facilities and emphasized the importance of fortifying security measures to safeguard national defense.
While details about how the drone managed to evade detection over the naval base remain undisclosed for security reasons, the defense minister underscored the urgency of adapting to the evolving technology of drones and unmanned vehicles. Japan plans to expedite the deployment of advanced anti-drone equipment and enhance countermeasures such as jamming to prevent unauthorized drone activities.
The security breach comes at a time when Japan is intensifying its military capabilities, particularly focusing on enhancing its counter-strike capacity with long-range missiles under the current security strategy. The JS Izumo plays a crucial role in Japan's strategic defense planning.
Notably, Japan has experienced previous drone-related security incidents, including the discovery of a drone with traces of radiation on the prime minister's office roof in 2015. Subsequent regulations were implemented to restrict drone flights over sensitive areas, including public spaces, diplomatic premises, and nuclear facilities, to mitigate potential security risks.
While drones are widely used for various purposes such as industrial operations, search and rescue missions, and security surveillance, the rise in drone-related violations underscores the need for robust defense mechanisms to safeguard national security.
