Self-Defense Forces to introduce self-navigating transport ships equipped with AI Ministry of Defense to save manpower in preparation for emergencies

The Ministry of Defense has decided to proceed with research and development toward the introduction of Self-Defense Force transport ships equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous navigation technology. The aim is to save manpower and strengthen maritime transport capacity in case of emergencies. This will be specified in three security-related documents to be revised within this year. This was revealed by a person involved.

Automatic ship navigation is a technology that uses artificial satellites and various sensors to determine the surrounding weather and wave conditions and select a route. Amid the growing manpower shortage due to population decline, it is expected that the ship will sail with a limited number of crew members. In the private sector, demonstration experiments related to unmanned navigation are already underway.

In Japan, which has many islands, in the event of an armed attack by another country, it is necessary to evacuate islanders and transport food and equipment in a flexible manner. The Ministry of Defense is anticipating an emergency in the southwest region, which is dotted with remote islands, and hopes to promote the use of less manpower and unmanned transport vessels to ensure smooth resupply and reduce risks for personnel in dangerous areas.

The ministry has determined that it is necessary to introduce cutting-edge technology to the transportation and replenishment fields in response to the ``new ways of fighting'' that utilize AI and unmanned aerial vehicles that came to light with Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In the budget request for fiscal year 2027, the cost of research and research into self-navigating ships was included as a ``item request'' without specifying the amount.

A joint maritime transport group between the Land, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces was established last year in order to strengthen the defense posture of the southwest region in light of increased activity by the Chinese military. While improving the ability to deploy troops and equipment to islands is an issue, we are aiming to build a stable maritime transportation system from peacetime to emergencies.