Japan’s Navy is set to begin fielding more domestically developed underwater uncrewed vehicles (UUVs) as part of its defensive monitoring strategy.
Images released by the public affairs office of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) show at least six UUVs in a warehouse ready for deployment.
The accompanying statements made clear the drones had been built by a local company, although its identity, and the technical specifications of the UUVs, have not been revealed.
Their design and the statement both suggest the uncrewed systems will be used for monitoring and patrols, rather than kinetic effects.
One post noted the JMSDF “will continue to steadily advance defence capability development, including unmanned assets, and strive to improve deterrence and response capabilities.”
Another added: “JMSDF is steadily building up defense capabilities, including unmanned assets, to enhance deterrence and response.”
In June last year Japanese frigate Mogami conducted an uncrewed mine countermeasures (MCM) trial using an indigenous USV and OZZ-5, another domestically developed UUV.
The OZZ-5 USV was developed by part of what is now Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) and was built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).
MHI is also collaborating with the JMSDF on larger experimental Long-Endurance UUV (XLUUV) prototypes. There are two principal variants: one is a 20-ton, 10-metre model and the other is 30 tons and 20m. Both are designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions and reportedly feature sonar, infrared and satellite connectivity.
- You can read more details about the new UUVs on the JMSDF’s public affairs office X feed