Japan On High Alert After Chinese Website Posts Drone Footage Of Its Largest Warship

A viral video reportedly showing drone footage of Japan’s largest aircraft carrier, the Izumo, sparked concerns for increased defence security.

The video, which was previously disregarded as probably generated, has now been confirmed as authentic by the Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD), indicating a severe failure in security protocols.

The video, which appeared on Chinese social media sites in late March, shows a clear overhead view of the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) vessel Izumo while stationed at Yokosuka Naval Base in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Despite early suspicion, the MoD found that the footage was most likely recorded by an unlicensed drone flying over the facility.

The person who shared the footage, who is believed to live in China, admits to willfully breaching Japanese rules forbidding drone movement near MSDF sites.

In an online interview with Kyodo News, the man stated that he posted the footage for entertainment purposes and did not mean to stir up international conflict.

Defense Minister Minoru Kihara expressed deep concern over the incident’s security implications, emphasising the potential harm to national defence.

There is a small scandal in Japan.

A drone launched by a Chinese citizen flew over the deck of the helicopter carrier JS Izumo DDH183 of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in Yokosuka. pic.twitter.com/gOd6oI7vJg

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 30, 2024

Video Credits: Clash Report/X

The Ministry of Defence intends to use advanced equipment and jammer technology to reduce the risk posed by difficult-to-detect drones and prevent similar violations in the future.

The unauthorised drone movement above Yokosuka Naval Base highlights the increasing problems caused by the proliferation of private drones in sensitive military zones.

In reaction to the incident, the Japanese government is under greater pressure to increase countermeasures and improve monitoring capabilities to protect national security.

Japanese law strictly prohibits flying drones over designated MSDF facilities without permission, and drone-detecting equipment is stationed in crucial areas to deter unwanted incursions.

Despite efforts to enforce regulations, the incident emphasises the continued need for strong defence measures to combat growing security threats.

As investigations continue into the drone’s source and the circumstances surrounding the unauthorised movement, the Japanese government remains cautious in protecting its military infrastructure from future intrusions.

The incident serves as a sharp reminder of the problems faced by advanced drone technology, as well as the importance of maintaining effective defence plans in an increasingly complicated security situation.

Reference: Eurasian Times, TOI

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Source: Maritime Shipping News