Japan to deploy either the Predator or Global Hawk UAV by 2007

Posted on: Jan. 12th, 2006 || Source: asahi.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

LONDON--Defense Agency chief Fukushiro Nukaga confirmed Wednesday that Japan will deploy U.S.-made unmanned reconnaissance planes as early as fiscal 2007, and that the selection process will move into high gear in March.

In response to questions from reporters accompanying him on a visit to Britain, Nukaga indicated that consideration was being given to buy either the Predator or Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

The decision for an early acquisition of a UAV was prompted by the need for intelligence to guard against a ballistic missile attack by North Korea or an invasion of an outlying island by foreign forces, observers said.

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