A Chinese TB001 reconnaissance and attack drone that flew between Okinawa's main island and Miyako Island in February 2025 (Courtesy of the Ministry of Defense, Joint Staff Office)
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At a June 27 Cabinet meeting, the Japanese government approved a formal statement clarifying its stance on airspace violations by drones. Under the new policy, the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) may shoot down intruding drones. Moreover, they may do so even if the criteria for self-defense or emergency measures are not otherwise met. The decision came in response to a written inquiry from independent lawmaker Jin Matsubara, a former minister responsible for the abduction issue.
New Engagement Rules
Under the Japan Self-Defense Forces Law, the SDF may take "necessary measures" when foreign aircraft enter its airspace without permission. Such actions include instructing the aircraft to land or leave. However, authorities have traditionally permitted the use of force to shoot down a manned aircraft — even a hostile one — only in situations involving legitimate self-defense or emergency evacuation. This cautious interpretation stems from the potential risk to human life.
Drones are unmanned aircraft, but the same rules had been applied. That interpretation shifted on February 20, 2023, during a session of the Lower House budget subcommittee. Kazuo Masuda, then Director-General of Defense Policy at the Ministry of Defense (MOD), spoke during the session. Addressing the point, he stated, "Weapons may be used even in cases that do not fall under legitimate self-defense or emergency evacuation," as long as the target is an unmanned drone.
The latest Cabinet-approved response now formally adopts that interpretation as official government policy.
Rising Drone Threat from China
According to the MOD, Chinese drone activity over the Pacific has surged since the beginning of 2025. In addition, China is developing a large-scale unmanned aircraft known as Jiutian, reportedly capable of carrying up to 100 suicide drones with an operational range of 7,000 kilometers.
The government's written response also clarified the scope of the Act on the Prohibition of Flight of Drones Over Key Facilities. Covering locations such as the Imperial Palace, the Prime Minister's Residence, and SDF bases, the act defines "necessary measures" to explicitly include the authority to shoot down drones. Police authorities are continually enhancing their counter-drone capabilities. These include the introduction of interceptor drones and jamming guns.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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