JMSDF SeaGuardian operations started
On 9 May 2023 the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) started trials of the Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (MALE RPAS) operation project.
The project features the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) MQ-9B SeaGuardian with registration N477SG operating from Hachinohe.
General Atomics was selected in February 2023 to support these trials which include various tests to review the feasibility of conducting unmanned missions and its reduction of manpower.
The company is also supporting the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) in similar trials from Hachinohe and the Japanese government announced that both branches will be exchanging the data obtained by the MQ-9B operations.
There are currently three MQ-9B SeaGuardians operating from Hachinohe, N467SG/RA467 and N476SG/RA476, both operating for the JCG in their colours and the all white N477SG operating for the JMSDF.
Photo via JMSDF and by Tatezou/@_tatezou (JCG SeaGuardian)