Teledyne FLIR will supply Star SAFIRE 380-HLD multi-spectral imaging systems to Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) in a deal worth $20.8m (Y2.9bn) over the next three years.

This long-range airboirne surveillance capability will be fitted to Japanese SH-60L Seahawk helicopters – a licenced Japan-based production version of the Sikorsky SH-60 rotorcraft.

Currently, the service operates two units for test and evaluation purposes plus one spare unit, though it plans to acquire more.

The Chinese challenge

“Growing threats in the region have moved Japan to improve its defence and security capabilities, especially those designed to safeguard its territorial waters and outlying territories,” commented Robert Moss, an Asia-Pacific official at the company.

The maritime services in China’s armed forces are working to expand the country’s territorial control across the Pacific region. China has already confronted several of its neighbours in an effort to wrest control over a number of islands and shoals, particularly areas in and around the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

Japan is an archipelago, or string of islands, on the eastern edge of Asia. There are four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. There are also nearly 4,000 smaller islands. Geopolitics drives the adoption of a pragmatic defence approach as the security environment deteriorates.

Star SAFIRE imaging

In particular, Japan is responding to the rapid modernisation of China’s long range strike capabilities and will maintain robust interception capabilities according to GlobalData intelligence.

To ensure its situational awareness, Star SAFIRE will benefit Japan as an ultra-long-range airborne surveillance solution that delivers high-definition visual and thermal imagery to its operators.

It features image stabilisation and, with its laser designator and rangefinder, provides highly accurate target location and laser spot positioning.