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 Bundeswehr plans to increase its fleet of drones to 8,000 by 2029: ambitions and reality

Germany is taking a decisive step towards modernizing its army: the Bundeswehr has unveiled an ambitious plan to dramatically increase its fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). If today the German armed forces have slightly more than 600 drones at their disposal, then by 2029 their number should exceed 8000 units. This large-scale project is keeping pace with record growth in the defense budget and large-scale purchases of military equipment, offsetting the previously slow pace of military training.

Multi-level drone system

The program provides for the creation of a multi-level, differentiated UAV system adapted to various tasks on the battlefield.:

- 1,200 highly compact nanodrons — for exploration at minimal distances, including in urban areas and hard-to-reach areas.  

- 3028 light drones — designed to monitor and adjust fire at the tactical level.  

- 800 repeater drones will ensure stable communication between units in conditions of radio suppression.  

- Barrage ammunition — two competing systems are currently being tested, which will become part of the strike arsenal in the future.

This approach allows you to cover the entire range of operations — from individual reconnaissance to large-scale combat operations using autonomous weapons.

Operational reserve for combat conditions

Special attention is paid to the stability of the system in conflict conditions. It is planned to create an operational reserve of drones in the amount of 20-40% of the total fleet. This will make it possible to quickly replenish losses and maintain a high level of combat readiness even during intense combat operations.

The goal is leadership in Europe

Although the exact amount of funding for the program is not indicated in open sources, it is obvious that we are talking about multimillion-dollar investments. The successful implementation of the plan will provide the Bundeswehr with one of the largest and most technologically diverse UAV fleets in Europe.

However, against the background of such ambitious plans, there are also restrained assessments. The comparison with production rates in other countries raises questions: if Russia, according to some reports, produces up to 2,000 Geranium attack drones per month, then the Bundeswehr's achievement of 8,000 drones in four years looks modest, especially given the gap in speed and scale.

However, the German approach focuses not only on quantity, but also on quality, reliability, and integration of systems into a single network. This can be a key advantage in the long run.

Japan considers buying Israeli drone Heron-2 with participation of Kawasaki Heavy Industries to strengthen defense capabilities

Japan is showing interest in acquiring the Israeli drone Heron-2, which is manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The Japanese military is considering this possibility as part of the diversification of its arms purchases, which have traditionally been mainly carried out from the United States. Recently, a Heron-2 drone with Israeli registration and Kawasaki Heavy Industries designations was spotted at one of the Japanese airports, indicating that cooperation between Kawasaki and IAI on this project has already begun.

Such a partnership allows Japan to integrate Israeli developments into its defense system, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries is likely to act as a local partner in the maintenance, modification or production of components for the Heron-2 in Japan. This paves the way for the expansion of the capabilities of the Japanese Air Force and other security agencies in the field of intelligence and surveillance using modern unmanned systems.

Taiwan relies on "smart drones": partnership with Anduril to create a network war

 

Taiwan is taking a decisive step in modernizing its defense by entering into an important partnership. The National Chongshan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), Taiwan's leading defense developer, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the American technology company Anduril Industries, known for its advanced artificial intelligence systems and autonomous platforms. The purpose of the agreement is the purchase and, probably, the joint adaptation of a control system called NGC2 (Lattice NGC2) and related unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

What is NGC2? This is not just a program, but a whole network of combat control created by Anduril. Its main task is to dramatically speed up and improve the decision—making process on the battlefield. The system does this by combining data from all available sensors — radars, cameras, and reconnaissance platforms — into a single, overall picture. Then, using powerful AI algorithms, it analyzes this information and provides action recommendations to commanders and combat platforms (shooters), turning the chaos of combat into a coordinated operation. In fact, NGC2 transforms disparate systems into a single, "smart" organism.

This cooperation is a key part of Taiwan's strategy to create an asymmetric force. Given China's huge advantage in traditional weapons, Taiwan is betting on technologies that can offset this advantage: cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and, above all, unmanned systems. Investments in drones are well underway.

The planned drones, which will operate in the NGC2 system, are positioned as "loyal wingmen" for manned aircraft. They don't just fly ahead, but actively participate in combat, performing the most dangerous and difficult tasks: conducting electronic warfare to jam enemy radars, suppressing air defense systems, and even participating in aerial combat. This allows pilots to stay relatively safe by controlling a group of drones and making strategic decisions while the machines perform tactical maneuvers.

Partnering with Anduril is not just about buying equipment. This is Taiwan's attempt to adopt an advanced American approach to network warfare, where speed, data, and autonomy are becoming crucial factors for survival.

Polish tankers are mastering new technologies: training in the assembly of FPV drones in the 1st Warsaw Armored Brigade

As part of the modernization of military training and improving the combat effectiveness of units, the 1st Warsaw Armored Brigade has implemented an innovative training program dedicated to the use of FPV drones (First Person View). Special attention in this program is paid not only to piloting drones, but also to their  self-assembly, configuration and repair, which allows soldiers to gain a full cycle of knowledge for effective use of UAVs in combat conditions.

FPV drones are unmanned aerial vehicles that allow the operator to see the camera image in real time, making them extremely effective for reconnaissance, fire correction, and even strike operations. Their widespread use in modern local conflicts requires new approaches from armies to the training and preparation of personnel. The Polish military is actively implementing such practices to meet modern warfare requirements.

During the course, soldiers are trained to work with various drone components, including engines, speed controls, flight controllers, video transmitters and antennas. Special attention is also paid to the practical assembly and testing of devices in the field. Such comprehensive training allows not only to use drones more efficiently, but also to quickly repair them after damage, which is especially important in conditions of constant enemy opposition.

This training has become part of a broader strategy for the modernization of the Polish Armed Forces, which involves the deep integration of unmanned systems into the command and combat use structure of all branches of the armed forces. Poland has already demonstrated interest in developing its own drone sector, as well as in acquiring experience in this area from other countries, including through international cooperation programs.

A new concept for combating drones in the Swedish Armed Forces

 

The Swedish Armed Forces, in close collaboration with the Defense Logistics Directorate (FMV) and industry partners, have introduced a new concept for countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAS), which aims to ensure the safety of ground targets from the growing threat from drones. This initiative was an important step in modernizing the Swedish defense system, especially in the context of the increasing role of UAVs in modern warfare.

The concept was first demonstrated during live firing at the Tofta range, located on the island of Gotland, a strategically important area where key military exercises and tests are conducted. During the exercise, the recruits successfully repelled several drone attacks in difficult weather conditions, which highlights the readiness and effectiveness of new technologies and tactics. These tests have shown a high degree of integration between different levels of defense and demonstrate how the Swedish Armed Forces are adapting to a rapidly changing global situation.

The new concept is based on the use of advanced detection systems, electronic warfare and drone fire destruction. It also includes training personnel to work with modern air defense systems and the introduction of automated response systems. This allows not only to neutralize the threat, but also to minimize the risk to the civilian population and infrastructure.

Sweden, as a member of NATO and an active participant in international peacekeeping operations, pays great attention to the development of its defense capability, especially after recent geopolitical events in Europe. The development of anti-UAV capabilities is part of a broader strategy to strengthen national defense and improve coordination between the various branches of the Armed Forces. 

In addition, the participation of industry partners in the development of this concept indicates the government's desire to create an effective ecosystem of interaction between government agencies and the private sector. This makes it possible to bring innovative solutions to the market faster and maintain a high level of combat readiness of troops.

The Israel Defense Forces uses drones to protect economic waters and strategic facilities

 

Blue Whale unmanned submarine

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is actively implementing unmanned aerial vehicles and underwater vehicles to monitor and analyze maritime threats in the country's exclusive economic zone. For the first time in recent weeks, the Israeli Navy has deployed unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) capable of creating a wide sea picture and tracking vessel movements in Israel's economic waters.

These drones collect and document data that is used to analyze threats and make decisions on the deployment of forces in the maritime theater of operations. Special attention is paid to the protection of strategically important facilities such as Israel's gas rigs, which are vital to the country's energy security.

The underwater unmanned vehicles developed by leading Israeli companies are equipped with modern navigation and reconnaissance equipment, which makes it possible to effectively monitor underwater space and identify potential threats, including hostile submarines and minefields. Israeli technologies in the field of UUV are recognized as one of the most advanced in the world, which is confirmed by the interest and cooperation with other countries, for example, Germany.

The use of unmanned systems significantly expands the capabilities of the Israeli Navy, reducing risks for personnel and increasing the effectiveness of maritime border protection. In the context of growing instability in the region and increasing maritime threats, such innovative solutions are becoming key elements of national security.

Thus, the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles and underwater vehicles into Israel's defense structure demonstrates the country's commitment to technological leadership and ensures reliable protection of important economic and strategic interests at sea.

The US Army is abandoning the MQ-1C Gray Eagle drones in favor of advanced technology

 MQ-1C Gray Eagle

The US Army has announced the termination of purchases of MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), calling them "outdated, redundant and ineffective" in the context of modern warfare. This decision was part of a massive overhaul of the army's equipping program aimed at introducing more advanced technologies to meet the demands of future conflicts.

Reasons for abandoning the MQ-1C Gray Eagle

The MQ-1C Gray Eagle was one of the US Army's key UAVs used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and strikes. However, with the development of technology, this drone has become inferior to modern systems, especially in the face of confrontation with high-tech opponents such as China or Russia. The main reasons for failure include:

- Outdated technology: Gray Eagle no longer meets the requirements of modern warfare, where speed, stealth, and autonomy are important.

 - Redundancy: The Army seeks to optimize its resources by eliminating platforms that duplicate the functions of other systems.

- Inefficiency: The drone is poorly adapted to modern threats such as enemy air defense systems and electronic warfare.

New direction: advanced technology

The termination of purchases of the MQ-1C coincides with the efforts of the US Army to introduce new, more advanced UAVs. These systems will have improved autonomy, artificial intelligence capabilities, and increased resistance to interference. In particular, the army is focusing on developing drones capable of performing tasks in difficult conditions of confrontation in the air and on the ground.

By the way, this announcement coincided with the recent PC-C5 exercises, where the MQ-1C Gray Eagle still played an important role. However, his participation was a kind of farewell chord, emphasizing the need to move to more modern solutions.

What do the experts say?

The US Army's decision has sparked widespread discussion among military analysts. Some experts support the move to abandon outdated systems, considering it logical in the context of a technology race. Others, however, point out that the Gray Eagle can still be useful in less complex missions, such as fighting terrorism or supporting operations in regions with limited enemy capabilities.

Nevertheless, most agree that the transition to new technologies is an inevitable step to maintain U.S. superiority on the battlefield.

The future of unmanned systems in the US Army

The abandonment of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle marks the beginning of a new era in the development of unmanned systems. The US Army is actively investing in projects related to autonomous UAVs capable of interacting with manned aircraft and ground forces. These systems will play a key role in network-centric warfare, providing real-time data collection, targeting and destruction of targets.

The termination of purchases of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle demonstrates the determination of the US Army to modernize its forces and focus on advanced technologies. Although this drone has played an important role in past operations, its time is coming to an end. The future belongs to more advanced unmanned systems that can operate effectively in high-intensity conflict situations.

"Drone Wall": NATO creates an advanced defense system using autonomous technology

Germany, together with six NATO countries, has launched an ambitious project that could become one of the largest deployments of autonomous surveillance and anti-drone systems in modern history. This plan, dubbed the Drone Wall, is designed to strengthen the alliance's eastern flank and provide strategic deterrence in the face of the rapidly changing nature of modern warfare.

The essence of the project

The project involves the creation of a continuous layer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) stretching from Norway to Poland. These drones will be equipped with advanced technologies to monitor airspace, identify potential threats, and counter intrusions, including unconventional warfare techniques such as the use of compact drones or hybrid tactics.

The Drone Wall will become a permanent early warning and intelligence network designed to protect vulnerable NATO areas, especially those bordering Russia. This system will allow you to quickly respond to any suspicious activity and significantly increase the level of security in the region.

Technologies of the future

The project will use the latest technologies, including AI for data analysis, stealth target detection systems, and electronic warfare systems. Thanks to these innovations, the Wall of Drones will be able not only to detect threats, but also to actively counter them, neutralizing potentially dangerous objects even before they approach the borders of the alliance.

In addition, the project is aimed at ensuring cooperation between the participating countries. The integration of data into a single network will allow coordinating actions and sharing information in real time, which will significantly increase the effectiveness of defense.

Strategic importance

NATO leaders describe the "Drone Wall" as a response to new challenges related to the development of technology and the changing nature of military conflicts. Modern warfare increasingly involves the use of drones, cyberattacks, and hybrid methods that require adaptive and technologically advanced solutions. 

This project also demonstrates the commitment of the alliance's countries to collective defense and their willingness to invest in innovative solutions to protect their borders. This is especially important in the context of growing tensions on NATO's eastern flank, where Russia continues to increase its military presence.

Prospects and challenges

Despite the ambitious nature of the project, its implementation may face a number of challenges. This includes high costs for network development and maintenance, the need to harmonize standards between participating countries, and ensuring system protection from cyber attacks. However, experts are confident that the benefits outweigh the risks, as the "Drone Wall" will become an important element of NATO's defense in the long term.

The Drone Wall is not just a technological breakthrough, but also a symbol of the unity of the NATO countries in an effort to protect their borders. The project demonstrates how modern technologies can be used to ensure security and stability in the face of new threats. In the coming years, this system may become a benchmark for other regions and countries interested in strengthening their defense capabilities.

Russian electronic warfare systems are effective against Starlink

 

Installation of a Starlink by a Ukrainian soldier

The Russian electronic warfare (EW) systems Tobol and Kalinka show high efficiency in countering the terminals of the Starlink satellite communication system used by the militants of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).

 Tobol is capable of suppressing any signal that terminals emit to satellites or vice versa. This electronic warfare system creates an electromagnetic shield through which Starlink waves do not pass.

However, the "real killer" of the satellite system is precisely Kalinka, which is capable of interrupting any signals coming and going from Starlink and detecting them at a distance of up to 15 km. Thus, this electronic warfare system disrupts communication between Ukrainian militants and interferes with the operation of enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned boats (BEC).

Unlike Tobol, which largely jams satellite navigation, Kalinka has the ability to locate and target specific terminals, including those with improved security features.

Since 2022, Ukraine has received more than 50,000 Starlink terminals, of which 29,500 came from Poland.

Shield AI Introduces ViDAR Pod to Enhance Intelligence Operations

 Shield AI, a defense technology company based in San Diego, unveiled its latest product this week ahead of the Sea-Air-Space Expo: ViDAR Pod — A new artificial intelligence-based visual detection and ranging system designed to provide real-time passive broadband surveillance on land and at sea without the use of radars.

The system, developed for unmanned aerial vehicles and adaptable to helicopters and small aircraft, allows for ongoing intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations in difficult environments where traditional radars can compromise the location of the platform.

ViDAR Pod

Canada reinforces Navy with drones for tracking and targeting

   

The Canadian military plans to allocate up to $ 100 million to equip the largest ships of the Navy with new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of conducting long-range surveillance and targeting in the maritime zone. This was announced by a representative of the Ministry of National Defense of the country. It is expected that the federal government will conclude a contract for the supply of up to 12 naval UAVs by the end of 2025, and the first vehicles will enter service within 12 months after signing the agreement.

Strategic strengthening of the fleet  

The move is part of a massive modernization of the Canadian Armed Forces, which includes upgrading Arctic Patrol Ships (AOPS) and expanding maritime reconnaissance capabilities. The new UAVs will be able to operate in the difficult conditions of the North Atlantic and the Arctic, where Canada is seeking to strengthen its presence amid growing geopolitical tensions. As noted earlier, existing AOPS are equipped with only 25 mm cannons, which makes them vulnerable to modern threats. Drones will also improve the effectiveness of tracking underwater and surface targets, as well as coordinating strikes.

Historical context and challenges  

For Canada, this is not the first experience of large purchases of UAVs. Earlier, in 2023, the country allocated $2.49 billion to purchase 11 MQ-9B Reaper drones from General Atomics, designed for reconnaissance and strike operations. However, the operation of such systems in the Arctic is associated with technical difficulties, such as low temperatures and poor communication, which has already raised concerns among military experts. The new ship-based UAVs are likely to be adapted to work in extreme conditions, but the details of the contract have not yet been disclosed.

 Global trends and costs  

Since 2014, Canada has consistently increased military spending: since 2014, over 273 million Canadian dollars (about $200 million) have been spent on unmanned technologies alone, and in 2025, an additional 440 million dollars have been allocated to support the Ukrainian military, including the production of drones. The current initiative highlights the priority of automation and high-tech solutions in the country's defense strategy. As of 2013, the Canadian Air Force had only 9 UAVs, but the new contract could increase this fleet by strengthening both the naval and air components of the army.

Recently, UAVs have been spotted in several American states

Dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles have been hovering over New

Jersey since November 18.

Some UAVs were spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a secret military

research organization, as well as near the golf course owned

by President-elect Donald Trump in Bedminster, New Jersey.

According to reports, in New York, several drones flew over the Bronx on 12 december.

In Ohio, the discovery of drones led to the closure of Wright-Patterson

Air Force Base for about an hour on Friday evening, local media reported.

In Connecticut, the police reported the appearance of "suspicious drones", UAV detection systems

are operating in the area of the cities of Groton and New London (among other things, there is a base of American submarines and a submarine manufacturing plant).

In Maryland, former Republican Governor Larry Hogan said he saw "dozens" of drones over his home in Davidsonville. 

In Massachusetts, on December 14, two men were arrested who allegedly "controlled drones, creating danger" near Logan International Airport. 

Many drones have also been spotted in Pennsylvania, including over the city of Philadelphia. 

In October, the Wall Street Journal reported that mysterious drones had been spotted over U.S. military installations in Virginia for 17 days.

At the end of November, drones were also spotted over three American air bases in the UK. British military sources told the BBC that another state is suspected of organizing the flights. 

In early December, drones were also spotted over the American military base Ramstein in Germany.