Japan Changes Constitution to Join Global Drone Arms Race

Update on the global drone arms race.

U.S. drone arrives at Japanese air base

Nicholas West

It has been predicted that the development of drone surveillance by the U.S. would spark a global race to develop new drone capabilities, leading to a potentially dystopian future of drone wars where combat and even assassinations can be performed by fleets of insect-like microbots. The Washington Post reported in July, 2011:

More than 50 countries have purchased surveillance drones, and many have started in-country development programs for armed versions because no nation is exporting weaponized drones beyond a handful of sales between the United States and its closest allies. (Source)

The number of countries possessing surveillance drones has now risen toward 90, plus the United Nations itself has launched its own fleet. Armed drones are also proliferating rapidly with at least 20 countries believed to have unmanned weaponized vehicles. Japan is the latest to go full-steam ahead in an effort to keep up - so much so that they actually have rewritten their constitution to ensure more militaristic endeavors.

The Evolution of Autonomous Drones

image source

Activist Post

The use of drones has now become common knowledge to the extent that they are being embraced in a number of commercial applications such as real estate, media (paparazzi), and delivering pizzas (once regulators give clearance.) One enthusiast even delivered the rings to his brother's wedding. Everyone in attendance reportedly thought "it was pretty awesome." (Source)

National Geographic recently even pointed out some positive uses beyond the military for micro-drones such as hurricane hunting, 3-D mapping, search and rescue, agriculture and protecting wildlife. (source)

However, drones continue to evolve in tandem with advancements in robotics and computing toward some very hands-off applications. Instead of a glorified remote-controlled hobby craft, drones are becoming autonomous both in flight and decision making.

To be sure, the evolution of drones toward full autonomy is a stated goal by the military, which has been working for some time on implementing a true Terminator-like Skynet Global Digital Defense Network.