In an effort to enhance surveillance in the Indo-Pacific, the United States is sending long-range MQ-4C Triton drones to Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture as concerns over China’s military activity around Taiwan rise. Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani has confirmed that the drones will be based at the US Kadena Air Base on the main island of Okinawa for an indefinite period within the next few weeks.
This deployment will dramatically improve the intelligence-gathering, deterrence and response capability of the Japan-US alliance,” Nakatani said in a press conference.
The Triton drones, with capabilities to fly at heights of more than 50,000 feet for more than 24 hours and traveling a distance of 13,700 kilometers, are likely to track the growing number of Chinese drones and military exercises in the area. The high-altitude, long-endurance UAVs are as big as a Boeing 737’s wingspan and are crucial for real-time surveillance.
Okinawa Defence Bureau officials said the US military plans to employ Triton drones at other bases too, such as Yokota in western Tokyo and Misawa in Aomori Prefecture.
Although the deployment is meant to act against China’s aggressiveness close to Taiwan and Japan’s south western islands, it has triggered resistance in the local area. Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki denounced the action, fearing the enhanced US military presence in the region, which his government has been opposed to for many years.
The deployment comes after increased China-Taiwan tensions, such as Chinese military exercises around Taiwan and continued incursions into its Air Defence Identification Zone. China recently referred to Taiwan’s president as a “parasite” and has not excluded military force to take control of the island.
Japanese authorities claim China’s drone presence along their border has escalated, with 30 drone intrusions last year alone, an increase from a mere four in 2021 leading Tokyo and Washington to take firm action.
