EDITORIAL | JS Izumo Drone Breach a Call for Drastic Countermeasures

A recent incident highlighted just how vulnerable Japan's Self-Defense Force (SDF) is to drone attacks. While taking a video, a drone flew illegally over the helicopter-carrying destroyer JS Izumo. The ship was anchored at the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) base at the port of Yokosuka. Chinese social media subsequently went viral with the 19-second video, as did X (formerly Twitter). 

There are several questions about how the drone managed to penetrate the airspace above the MSDF facility without being detected. It flew above the deck of the Izumo while neither the SDF nor the police even noticed. 

The Izumo is a frontline MSDF vessel currently being converted into a light aircraft carrier. When completed, it will be capable of carrying F35B fighter jets. A surprise attack by a bomb-carrying drone could prevent the Izumo from leaving port or conducting combat operations for a relatively lengthy period. That in turn would create a gaping hole in Japan's defense posture. 

Defense Minister Minoru Kihara announced that he was treating the situation "extremely seriously." He further promised that the government would implement measures to ensure security. Hopefully, the responsible officials will reflect on their negligence and take all possible countermeasures to deal with this threat. 

Drones Prohibited - But Not Caught?

According to the Drone Act, it is prohibited to fly a drone without permission over the MSDF Yokosuka Base or within a periphery of 300 meters from the base. 

A Chinese national appears to have taken the drone footage in question. Meanwhile, some people have explained it away as a prank. Nonetheless, such an illegal act that compromises Japan's national security cannot be brushed off. The military and civilian police and security officers need to get to the bottom of the matter. 

The same X account also posted multiple aerial videos of the United States nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. That ship, too, is based at Yokosuka. Moreover, US bases have similar restrictions regarding drones. 

Protecting Naval Assets

The question is whether Japan can quickly adopt effective countermeasures. The first problem is that drones apparently can go undetected. And even should a drone be detected, guidance is needed to neutralize or expel it from a restricted area. 

Jamming to interfere with the radio waves has been suggested. However, the radio waves accessed to control drones are in the civilian frequency band. It is questionable whether the SDF and police are prepared to make full use of such disruptive techniques. 

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The introduction of interception lasers should be expedited. However, it will be difficult for the SDF to use weapons like this unless they are first deployed for defense purposes. 

Responsibilities Near Military Installations

The police have primary responsibility for security around military installations. Protection from drones is required around the clock, 365 days a year. However, it is difficult to conceive that prefectural police forces have the capability and will to protect SDF and US military facilities. 

Hostile countries considering invading Japan would be delighted if calls for more rigorous security were shouted down. 

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has jurisdiction over the use of radio waves. It, together with the Ministry of Defense, the National Police Agency, and the National Security Council should immediately hold a joint review on how to deal with drones. Then they must effectively implement drastic countermeasures. 

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(Read the editorial in Japanese.)

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun