MSDF looks to deploy drones on destroyers

The Maritime Self-Defense Force is considering deploying fixed-wing unmanned reconnaissance aircraft that can take off from and land on destroyers, according to sources.

The MSDF also plans to conduct research on the equipment needed to conduct the drone operations, the sources said.

The MSDF has no experience flying fixed-wing aircraft from destroyers because doing so might draw allegations that it is operating an offensive aircraft carrier, which is banned by the Constitution’s war-renouncing Article 9.

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