Japan will scrap 167 AH-64D Apache, AH-1 Cobra and OH-1 Ninja helicopters to be replaced by drones

Japan's defence ministry is considering scrapping nearly 200 helicopters. The defence ministry is ready to give priority to unmanned aerial vehicles.

Here's What We Know

Japan wants to arm itself with unmanned platforms, including strike drones. The ministry plans to get rid of 12 AH-64D Apache, 47 AH-1 Cobra and 33 OH-1 Ninja helicopters in the future. But it is not yet specified which UAVs may come in place of the military helicopters.

In addition, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force is considering a possible reduction of its fleet, which currently includes 33 P-1 patrol aircraft and 75 SH-60K helicopters. Their functions will be taken over by American SeaGuardian drones.

Japan has already begun using the first drones from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. Tokyo ordered an unnamed number of MQ-9B SeaGuardian in April 2022, and in mid-October the Coast Guard announced that the UAVs were operational.

The MQ-9B SeaGuardian performs monitoring and law enforcement missions over the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. The drones, which are based at Hachinohe, can also be used for search and rescue operations.

Source: Japan News