Japanese Navy Conducts First 'Field Trial' of AI-Based Mine Clearance - Sarmad
The Japanese Navy conducted its first field trial of using artificial intelligence technologies and unmanned systems in mine countermeasures operations at a naval base in Busan, South Korea.
The trial involved the Japanese minesweeper “Ounjin,” alongside unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned surface vessels, and an autonomous underwater vehicle.
An AI-based system analyzed weather and ocean current data, directing operational procedures to locate virtual mines.
The trial results demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating AI technologies with human crews and unmanned systems, enhancing the efficiency and speed of executing mine countermeasures missions.
The trial is part of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s efforts to modernize its capabilities to address maritime threats and reduce risks to minesweeper crew members by expanding the use of unmanned systems and AI.
The maneuvers included operating an integrated system comprising reconnaissance drones, unmanned surface vessels for mine detection, and autonomous underwater vehicles for identifying and classifying suspicious objects. An AI system integrated and analyzed data from various platforms in real time, enabling the creation of an accurate operational picture of the mission area.
The Japanese forces also tested the systems’ ability to operate in a complex maritime environment featuring changes in wave patterns, ocean currents, and underwater visibility, aiming to evaluate their effectiveness in carrying out missions without requiring direct human intervention in hazardous areas.
Mine countermeasures are among the most complex and dangerous military operations, as mines can disrupt commercial and military navigation and block vital sea lanes. Japan seeks to leverage AI to reduce mine detection time, improve classification accuracy, and minimize the risk of human error.
This trial also aims to strengthen defense cooperation between Japan and South Korea and enhance readiness to address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, as protecting sea lanes grows increasingly important amid rising regional tensions.
