Kagoshima/Kanoya Air Base Considering the Deployment of U.S. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Field Survey Begins February 28

In Kagoshima Prefecture, the Ministry of Defense is moving forward with plans to deploy US military aircraft and relocate training to two locations. Kanoya City is considering deploying U.S. military drones to the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Kanoya Air Base. And on Mageshima Island in Nishinoomote City, there are plans to relocate US military training and develop Self-Defense Forces facilities. I will continue to tell you about these two. First, he explained that the Kyushu Defense Bureau will visit Kanoya City and the prefecture to conduct a field survey from February 28 regarding the deployment of unmanned aircraft in Kanoya City. This is a video of the unmanned reconnaissance aircraft "MQ9" posted on the website of the US Department of Defense. It is characterized by long wings that are about 20 meters long. According to officials, it is being considered that this "MQ9", 7, 8 aircraft will be deployed for the purpose of gathering information. Atsushi Endo, Director of the Planning Department of the Kyushu Defense Bureau, visited Kanoya City on the 21st and explained the field survey for the deployment of unmanned aircraft. According to the Kyushu Defense Bureau, the first survey will start on February 28 and last for four days. About 15 people from Japan and the United States will investigate facilities on the base, as well as accommodations and restaurants outside the base. That's it. The second round is scheduled to be held in mid-March, and about 40 people, including investigators from the United States, will investigate whether it is actually possible to operate the system. Kanoya City Mayor Ryuji Gohara "I want the assembly, the base association (base-related liaison council), to hold an explanation meeting for residents" Atsushi Endo, director of the planning department of the Kyushu Defense Bureau However, if there is a request after that, we would like to adjust and respond." After that, the prefectural office also gave a similar explanation, and the Kyushu Defense Bureau is expected to complete the field investigation by March.