Amid tensions in the East China Sea, China continues to demonstrate its technological leadership, prompting Japan to step up its efforts with unmanned surface vessels (USVs). The country is adopting USVs as a response to Chinese incursions, underscoring Asia’s technological superiority.
Japan is enhancing its maritime capabilities with USVs in response to China’s actions in the East China Sea, marking a strategic shift in defense technology and the U.S.-Japan alliance. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is prioritizing the deployment of USVs, enhancing intelligence, surveillance, and combat support.
The Japanese USVs are a direct response to Chinese incursions around the Senkaku Islands. In June 2024, Chinese vessels entered Japanese waters for 64 hours, highlighting the need to enhance maritime domain awareness in the Sea of Japan, Taiwan Strait, and South China Sea.
Autonomous ships can operate safely and cost-effectively, collaborating with the U.S. Navy for technological innovation. Japan’s partnership with JMU Defense Systems has delivered a USV for testing on the JMSDF’s Mogami-class frigate, designed to operate unmanned underwater and mine-clearing vessels.
The country has allocated more than $160 million for research and development in 2024, focusing on combat support USVs capable of detecting threats and gathering intelligence with advanced technology. This initiative aims to balance military power with China, which has a larger and more modern fleet.
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2024/08/08/tecnologia-chinesa-faz-japao-investir-em-navios-robos-no-mar-da-china-oriental/
