Japan developing unmanned jet fighter aircraft with machine learning to close its technology gap with China
TOKYO – Japan has begun to develop unmanned, remote-controlled jet fighter capable of breakneck maneuvers that will be deployed as early as 2035, bracing for further advancements in China's military technologies and the rise of drone warfare. Nikkei Asia reports. Continue reading original article
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
15 Jan. 2021 -- Japan stands outmanned and outgunned by its larger neighbor. China possesses more than 1,000 fourth-generation jet fighter aircraft that can reach supersonic speeds, about triple as many as Japan, according to the Defense Ministry. It also has began deploying fifth-generation stealth fighters.
Japan's Defense Ministry plans to introduce fighter drones in three stages -- first those that are remote controlled, then "teaming" operations where one manned plane would control several drones, and ultimately for use in completely unmanned and autonomous squadrons.
Autonomous weapons require advanced machine-learning capabilities, and international rules have yet to catch up to the technology. The ministry plans to focus on teaming operations first for its 2035 goal, set to coincide with the deployment of Japan's next-generation manned fighters.
John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics
