Japan defense ministry to develop AI autonomous transport ships for Self-Defense Forces

The Defense Ministry has decided to develop and introduce transport ships that combine artificial intelligence with autonomous navigation technology for the Self-Defense Forces, Yomiuri Shimbun reported, citing multiple government officials. The policy is to be set out in the three security documents to be revised within the year, with research to begin next fiscal year. Jiji Press separately reported, citing people concerned, that the ministry has settled on proceeding with research and development of Self-Defense Forces transport ships carrying AI and autonomous navigation systems. [ 1 , 3 ]

Yomiuri reported the ships are envisaged for large-scale transport of Self-Defense Forces units and ammunition to the Nansei Islands in a contingency, and for moving island residents to safety. Autonomous navigation would combine cameras, radar, satellite positioning data and information on the surrounding environment, processed by AI to work out optimal routes, handling currents and other sea conditions and automating navigation and berthing in coastal and distant waters. The ministry aims to operate with fewer crew and, in the future, without crew, according to the report. [ 1 ]

Jiji Press described the technology as using satellites and various sensors to judge weather and wave conditions and select a route, and said limited crews are expected as labour shortages deepen with a falling population. It reported that the ministry included the cost of surveying and researching autonomous ships as an 'item request' — a request that does not state an amount — in its fiscal 2027 budget request. Yomiuri likewise reported that the ministry listed the effort in next fiscal year's initial budget request as such an item request. [ 1 , 3 ]

Yomiuri reported that civilian work on autonomous ships is already advancing, including a project by the Nippon Foundation with shipbuilders and shipping companies since 2020, and that a cargo ship developed as an autonomous vessel began commercial operation in January. Trials are also under way on monitoring and support from land when navigating busy sea areas and when berthing, the report said, and the ministry is considering taking in such civilian technology. [ 1 ]

Yomiuri reported that the ministry's push for autonomous ships is intended to keep transport routes open in dangerous waters and to remote islands in a contingency, and to reduce the danger and burden on personnel involved in transport. Jiji Press said the ministry judged it necessary to bring advanced technology into the transport and supply field in response to the 'new ways of warfare' using AI and drones that became apparent in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and that the move also reflects stronger Chinese military activity in the southwestern region. [ 1 , 3 ]

The ministry established a joint Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Force maritime transport group last year to strengthen transport of units and supplies to remote islands, both outlets reported, while Yomiuri noted the Self-Defense Forces also face a shortage of personnel because of the falling birthrate. A senior ministry official told Yomiuri that an autonomously operated transport ship 'would be operable over long periods even in harsh environments', calling it 'a star of hope for improving transport capacity'. [ 1 , 3 ]