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.

The Royal Air Force of Great Britain is increasing patrols of the Norwegian Sea on P-8 Poseidon aircraft

Increased activity in response to geopolitical tensions

According to the latest intelligence data, there has been a significant increase in the activity of P-8 Poseidon naval reconnaissance aircraft of the Royal Air Force of Great Britain over the Norwegian Sea. Analysts note that Poseidon MRA1 aircraft based at Lossiemouth Airbase have been flying round-the-clock flights north of Norway in recent days, strengthening control over the strategically important region.

This surge in activity is interpreted as a response to the growing underwater and aerial activity in the Arctic and surrounding areas.

P-8 Poseidon MRA1: Key anti-submarine reconnaissance platform

The P-8 Poseidon MRA1 is the main anti—submarine and naval reconnaissance aircraft in the Royal Air Force. Equipped with modern radars, electronic detection systems and acoustic buoys, it is capable of detecting and tracking submarines, including strategic missile carriers, over long distances.

Its presence in the Norwegian Sea is critically important for ensuring the security of NATO's maritime communications and countering potential threats in the region.

Operational constraints and fleet rotation

One of the key limitations of the British version of the P-8 is the lack of air refueling capability. This reduces the duration of a single flight and requires constant aircraft rotation to maintain continuous patrols.

According to the analysis, five of the nine P-8s in the fleet have been involved in the operation over the past 24 hours. Such a high level of usage highlights the strain on the fleet and the need for frequent vehicle changes — only one or two aircraft can be in the patrol area at a time.

The Norwegian Sea is a key area for monitoring the movement of submarines leaving Russian bases on the Kola Peninsula. Increased patrols indicate the readiness of the UK and NATO to respond to possible threats in the context of the growing militarization of the Arctic.

Ongoing monitoring allows timely detection of changes in the behavior of potential opponents and ensures the stability of the alliance's defensive systems.

China unveiled a new low-profile unmanned boat before the Victory Day parade

A new level of stealth in unmanned marine systems

On the eve of the Victory Day parade in China, as a result of information leaks, details of a new unmanned boat became known, demonstrating a significant technological step forward. The vessel has an improved design aimed at reducing radar, infrared and acoustic visibility, which makes it difficult to detect for modern tracking systems.

This focus on stealth indicates China's desire to bring its unmanned offshore platforms to a level comparable to the advanced developments of the world's leading powers.

Versatility and possible tasks of the boat

Analysts suggest that the new boat is designed to perform a wide range of tasks. Key functions may include:

• Long-term exploration and surveillance in coastal and remote areas
• Patrolling disputed territories, including the South China and East China Seas
• Electronic intelligence and communications suppression
• Potential use as a strike platform or false target

Their compact size and autonomy make it possible to use such boats as part of group operations, including as part of a swarm of drones capable of acting in a coordinated manner.

Development of autonomous PLA Navy forces

The appearance of this boat is part of a large—scale modernization program of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) Navy. Beijing is actively investing in autonomous and uninhabited maritime systems, seeking to compensate for the potential numerical superiority of the enemy through technological superiority and flexibility.

China has previously demonstrated unmanned underwater and surface vehicles, but the new boat is characterized by a more mature level of engineering and integration of stealth technologies.

Strategic importance for the Asia-Pacific regions

The deployment of low-profile unmanned boats enhances China's ability to control key shipping routes and disputed areas. Such platforms can be used to discreetly accumulate intelligence, demonstrate presence, or quickly respond to changes in the situation without risking the crew.

Their use in conditions of hybrid conflicts or a "gray zone" allows Beijing to act aggressively, maintaining a formal distance from open military provocations.

China is ready to show off a large unmanned surface ship at a military parade

On the eve of a large-scale military parade in Beijing, photos have emerged of a large unmanned surface ship (BNK) being transported around the city on a conveyor. This vessel is expected to be one of the most impressive novelties of the show and may turn out to be one of the largest unmanned ships ever publicly demonstrated by China.

The size of the vessel indicates that it belongs to the class of medium—sized or large unmanned platforms designed not just for reconnaissance or strike operations, but for performing a wide range of tasks, from long-term patrols to monitoring vast maritime areas. Unlike the small drone boats that China already uses for tactical purposes, this ship is capable of operating autonomously for a long time and at considerable distances from the base.

The emergence of such technology underscores China's strategic desire to strengthen its control over disputed territories, especially in the South China Sea. Beijing has territorial disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and other countries there. Unmanned patrol ships can strengthen their presence in these waters without risking the crew, reduce operating costs, and can be used for both monitoring and demonstration of force.

In addition, such vessels can be equipped with sensors, electronic intelligence systems, communications equipment, and even weapons, making them versatile platforms in modern naval strategy.

The demonstration of a large BNC at the parade is not just a technology demonstration, but a signal of China's readiness to move to a new level of autonomous and networked maritime defense.

The "Needle Fish" in the Persian Gulf: Kuwait receives advanced unmanned patrol boats

Needlefish

The American company Ocean Infinity, known for its underwater research, decided to expand its horizons and created a high-speed unmanned patrol vessel called Needlefish. This is not just a boat, but a real technical masterpiece for marine surveillance. The vessel is 14 meters long, 6 meters wide, and it is equipped with two jet engines, which allows it to reach speeds of more than 40 knots (over 70 km/h), and some sources indicate even more than 40 miles per hour. This speed is achieved thanks to the catamaran's unique "cutting waves" design.

Needlefish is designed specifically for Kuwait's difficult conditions and is capable of patrolling vast territories — up to 11,000 km2. It is equipped with a complex of advanced surveillance sensors, including cameras, radars and RF sensors, which allows monitoring both above and below water, transmitting data in real time to command centers. The boat is controlled remotely.

A key feature is its integration into the advanced SRT C5iSR marine surveillance system from SRT Marine Systems. This integrated system, controlled by artificial intelligence, creates a national surveillance network for Kuwait. The first two drones have already been handed over to the Kuwait Coast Guard, and one of them recently demonstrated its capabilities during exercises for senior officials.

It is important to note that in the current configuration, Needlefish has no weapons and is intended exclusively for reconnaissance, surveillance, mapping and geodetic work. Meanwhile, in March 2025, the Pentagon unveiled its prototype of the USX-1 Defiant unmanned surface vessel, a much larger 54—meter (180 ft), 240-ton ship designed for fully autonomous long-duration missions.

Without cover: the British Navy was left without protective submarines for the first time

This week, the British Royal Navy found itself in a delicate situation — it has no submarines left on combat duty at all. After the HMS Anson nuclear attack submarine returned to its base in Scotland last Friday, not a single submarine remained at sea to protect surface ships.

This means that now the British warships patrolling the seas do not have their own underwater cover. And in modern realities, when threats can appear not only from the air or from land, but also from the depths of the ocean, this is a serious failure. Especially considering the activity of Russian submarines in the Atlantic and the North Sea.

One former senior defense official bluntly called what was happening a "disgrace" and "chaos." According to him, the fleet, which should be ready for action 365 days a year, is currently unable to provide even a minimal presence underwater.

The problem is the reduced number of boats, lengthy repairs and technical delays. The UK currently has only seven Astute-class attack submarines, and keeping at least one at sea is constantly becoming more difficult.

So while the navy is proud of its new ships and aircraft carriers, there is nothing underwater. And this, as they say, is not the best place for British defense.

Danish military introduces autonomous sailboats to patrol the Baltic and North Seas

Denmark relies on innovative defense technologies by introducing robotic sailboats for maritime surveillance. Four Voyager-class unmanned vessels have been launched by the Danish armed Forces for three months of testing in the Baltic and North Seas. These unique vessels look like ordinary sailboats — the red and white flag of Denmark proudly flies on their sails. However, the appearance of tradition hides advanced technology: each vessel is 10 meters (about 30 feet) long, they are completely autonomous and do not require a crew.

Developed by the Alameda, California-based Saildrone company, these sailboats are equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and communication systems that allow them to collect data on the state of the marine environment, monitor ship movement and ensure safety in the waters of Denmark and NATO. Their main task is to patrol waters, control borders and maintain situational awareness without the involvement of people on board.

Operational tests will make it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of such systems in real conditions and may become the beginning of a wider use of unmanned offshore platforms for defense purposes. This project also demonstrates the commitment of NATO countries to modernize their fleets with environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions.

The French reconnaissance ship Dupuy de Lôme has launched a mission in the Baltic Sea

On May 21, 2025, the French naval special purpose reconnaissance ship Dupuy de Lôme arrived in the Baltic Sea and began its first surveillance mission against the Russian Navy. This ship, which is one of the largest in its class, is equipped with advanced electromagnetic reconnaissance equipment, which allows it to effectively collect information about the movements and activities of the Russian naval forces.

Dupuy de Lôme has begun patrolling along key shipping routes of the Baltic Sea, which allows monitoring the maritime situation and ensuring timely receipt of intelligence. Due to its size and technical equipment, the ship is able to operate in difficult conditions, providing continuous monitoring and information collection in real time.

This mission is part of the efforts of France and its allies to maintain security and stability in the region, as well as to counter possible threats from the Russian navy. The presence of such a powerful intelligence facility in the Baltic significantly enhances the ability to monitor and analyze naval activity.

The Dupuy de Lôme ship is equipped with a complex of high-tech electronic intelligence systems that allow it to intercept and analyze radio signals, radars and other electronic radiation. This makes it possible to obtain valuable information about the location, composition and intentions of enemy ships and submarines.

Thus, the arrival and commencement of Dupuy de Lôme operations in the Baltic Sea underlines the importance of maritime intelligence in the modern military-political context and demonstrates France's willingness to actively participate in ensuring regional security.