The Maritime Self-Defense Force in Kagoshima Prefecture has a policy of deploying and operating U.S. military unmanned aircraft at the base of the Self-Defense Forces for the first time in order to strengthen the alert and surveillance system with China in mind, which is strengthening the movement to advance into the ocean. We are considering deploying it at the Kanoya Air Base.
At the foreign affairs and defense ministerial talks held on the 7th of this month, the so-called "2 plus 2", the US and Japanese governments will jointly use the facilities of both countries with China in mind, which is strengthening the movement to advance into the ocean in the Nansei Islands. We agreed by increasing it.
In response to this, the Japanese and US governments are considering deploying US military unmanned aircraft at the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Kanoya Air Base in Kanoya City, Kagoshima Prefecture, in order to strengthen the alert and surveillance system.
Specifically, it is expected that about 7 unmanned aerial vehicles "MQ9" will be deployed, and that 100 US military personnel will operate and maintain the aircraft.
This is the first time a U.S. military unmanned aircraft has been deployed at a SDF base, and the US and Japanese governments want to have a person in charge visit the base next month to investigate the situation of hangars and accommodations.
The Ministry of Defense will soon explain this to the local mayor and ask for their cooperation.