Japan will deploy 23 SeaGuardian drones at bases in Kagoshima and Aomori to enhance intelligence

SeaGuardian is the key to Japan's new patrol strategy

The Japanese government has revealed details of a large-scale program for the purchase and deployment of large American-made reconnaissance drones. The Ministry of Defense plans to purchase 23 SeaGuardian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) manufactured by General Atomics and deploy them at two key bases of the Maritime Self—Defense Forces (MSDF) in southwestern Kagoshima Prefecture and northeastern Aomori.

This step is aimed at strengthening the intelligence coverage of the territories adjacent to the East China Sea, as well as to the northern islands, where activity from China and Russia is growing.

Kanoya and Hachinohe bases: control over strategic regions

About 10 drones will be deployed at the Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima, a strategically important hub off the southern islands, including the Philippines. Another group will appear at the Hachinohe airbase in Aomori, a key point in the northeast of the country, from where control over the Pacific coast and the approach to the Sea of Okhotsk is possible.

The deployment in these two enclaves will ensure round-the-clock monitoring of sea and air routes, which is especially important in the face of growing challenges to national security.

Replacement of manned aircraft with unmanned systems

The 11-meter-long SeaGuardian is capable of staying aloft for up to 24 hours without landing, making it ideal for long-duration patrol missions. It is equipped with radar, electronic and optical systems to detect ships, submarines and intruders.

According to the Ministry of Defense, the UAVs will become a partial replacement for manned patrol aircraft such as the Kawasaki P-1 and P-3C Orion, which will reduce the burden on flight personnel and reduce operating costs.

The role of the private sector and implementation plans

An interesting feature of the project will be the participation of the private sector. As reported, from fiscal year 2027, a private company will begin operating drones based on Kanoy, including maintenance and flights. From 2028, management will be transferred directly to the Maritime Self-Defense Forces.

The deployment schedule at Hachinohe base remains uncertain for now, but it is expected to follow shortly after the successful launch in Kagoshima. Officials also stressed that flight routes will be chosen in such a way as to minimize the noise impact on the local population.

Sources

1. Armiya.az — Japan to acquire 23 MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones for the Maritime Self-Defense Force; about 10 units each at Kanoya (Kagoshima) and Hachinohe (Aomori) bases, with private-sector ops starting FY 2027 and full JSDF takeover in FY 2028.
2. Russia Japan Society — MoD details: 23 large SeaGuardian UAVs (11 m long, 24-h endurance) to replace manned patrol aircraft; northeast and southwest basing and noise-mitigation flight paths.
3. Rossaprimavera.ru — record defense budget earmarks mass deployment of MQ-9B SeaGuardian for East China Sea surveillance.
4. Japan Times — Coast Guard plans to buy four additional SeaGuardian aircraft by FY 2026, expanding the fleet to nine units and enhancing maritime domain awareness.