Mayor Accepts Deployment Of Us Military Drones At Kanoya Sdf Base
The mayor of Kanoya in southern Japan says he has decided to accept the deployment of US unmanned military aircraft at a Self-Defense Forces' base in his city.
The Japanese and US governments plan to deploy eight MQ-9 drones to Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima Prefecture this month to step up surveillance of China's increasing maritime activities.
Japanese defense officials say up to around 200 US military personnel will be stationed for the deployment.
Residents living near the base have expressed worries about possible accidents or other incidents involving the unmanned aircraft.
Mayor Nakanishi Shigeru told the city assembly on Monday that the Japanese Defense Ministry has presented measures to deal with the concerns. He said there was little choice but to accept the deployment.
The city plans to sign an accord to seek guarantees from the central government that it will be responsible for safety measures and local development plans.
The mayor told reporters that the decision was difficult, but one that he made after serious thought. He said he has asked regional defense officials to take concrete steps to ease citizens' anxiety.
He said the city also hopes to coordinate with the US military via Japan's Defense Ministry to ensure the safety and security of Kanoya.
The mayor plans to meet residents on Tuesday and Wednesday to brief them about his decision.