Japan’s Defense Ministry is planning a new research center to develop defense equipment that harnesses cutting-edge technology.
The move comes as the United States, Russia, China and others are racing to develop so-called “game-changer” weapons that can transform the nature of combat. Drones and hypersonic missiles are examples of such weapons.
The ministry is also aware of the need to develop potential game-changing equipment. It decided to open the new research center in October, under its Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency.
Ministry officials want the lab to develop autonomous vehicles that can navigate in darkness by using artificial intelligence to study images, GPS and other data.
Another goal is to develop new technology to detect submarines, using electromagnetic waves.
More than 10 experts will be recruited for each area of research. Officials say they are considering having the new center collaborate with other labs, such as the US Defense Department’s research agency.