US deploys first advanced drones to Japan
Fleet of Global Hawk aircraft arrive in Japan, as Washington seeks to improve surveillance in Asia.
Published On 31 May 2014
The US air force has deployed two of its most advanced long-distance surveillance drones to a base in northern Japan.
According to the AP news agency, the unarmed Global Hawk aircraft were deployed to Japan over the past week from their home base on the Pacific island of Guam.
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They are expected to enhance the US military’s ability to monitor nuclear activities in North Korea and Chinese naval operations, and to assess natural disasters to assist humanitarian aid operations.
The deployment to Japan, a key US ally, is intended to further demonstrate Washington’s commitment to security in Asia as part of its rebalancing of forces to the Pacific.
China and North Korea have been working to improve their own unmanned aircraft fleets.
The Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe, will outline his vision for Japan’s defence contribution to regional security to promote peace and prosperity on Saturday.
Abe will make a speech at the Asia Security Summit in Singapore, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, becoming the first Japanese leader to do so at the gathering.
On Thursday, the US warned China against risking tensions in international airspace after Tokyo accused Beijing of “dangerous manoeuvres” above disputed area.