Japan Seeks 17 U.S.-Made MQ-9B Drones in $1.83B Deal as China Expands Pacific Naval Operations

Japan is seeking 17 US-made MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones in a $1.83 billion deal amid expanding Chinese Pacific naval operations. The unmanned systems enhance maritime domain awareness and long-endurance surveillance. The purchase strengthens Japan's ISR posture in contested waters. The deal reflects deepening US-Japan defense integration.