A Defense Agency research center is considering the development of an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft similar to the U.S.-designed Global Hawk (above) and Predator

The move is likely to stir debate over whether it is appropriate to pour large sums of taxpayers' money into developing planes that would be inferior to existing U.S. aircraft and require even further investment to become fully operational.

The agency's Technical Research and Development Institute believes it necessary to acquire independent technology on unmanned aerial systems as the foundation for the development of unmanned combat aircraft and other planes, agency sources said.

The institute has requested ¥180 million to be included in its budget for the next fiscal year from April to start the project, the sources said.

Long-endurance unmanned aircraft are capable of simultaneously carrying radars and optical sensors and have extended loitering capability at high altitudes over the target area.

The planes are effective in detecting suspicious vessels and defending outlying islands and are expected to contribute to missile defense by providing surveillance of ballistic missile launches.

The Japan Times Weekly: July 23, 2005
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