SeaGuardian features two multi-mode maritime surface-search radars. Credit: © General Atomics.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has chosen the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft systems for its Long Endurance Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programme.  

GA-ASI was selected to support the JMSDF Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) RPAS Trial Operation Project in February 2023, featuring the MQ-9B SeaGuardian. 

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The use of SeaGuardian commenced in May 2023, with JMSDF conducting various tests to evaluate if uncrewed aircraft can replace some missions currently performed by manned aircraft.  

The SeaGuardian is a MALE RPA system capable of flying for 24 hours or more, depending on the configuration. 

For Japan, GA-ASI has enhanced its maritime wide area surveillance with Optix+. 

The Optix+ collects information from SeaGuardian sensors and other data sources, providing a comprehensive surveillance picture.  

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This functionality facilitates real-time tasking and directing of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance information. 

The Optix+ software suite from GA-ASI correlates and exploits collected data into a shared operational picture.  

Multi-source correlated data allows for automatic detection of anomalous behaviours over waters, enhancing maritime surveillance capabilities. 

SeaGuardian features two multi-mode maritime surface-search radars with an inverse synthetic aperture radar imaging mode, an automatic identification system receiver, and a high-definition – full-motion video sensor.  

This suite enables real-time detection and identification of surface vessels over thousands of square nautical miles. 

According to GlobalData’s ‘Japan Defense Market 2024-2029’ report, Japan’s defence expenditure recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1% between 2020 and 2024, amounting to $72.3bn in 2024.  

The report forecasts Japan’s expenditure to reach $90.1bn in 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.8%. 

In August, Japan’s Coast Guard (JCG) contracted GA-ASI for the purchase of two MQ-9B SeaGuardian RPAs.  

Earlier this year, GA-ASI and the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) completed testing of the Sonobuoy Dispensing System on the MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAS, demonstrating anti-submarine warfare capabilities.