Japan Defense takes delivery of ScanEagle UAS from Boeing's Insitu Pacific

A ScanEagle unmanned aircraft system has been delivered to Japan by Australia's Insitu Pacific.

The country's land self-defense force will use it to monitor aggressive acts by neighbouring China.

Insitu Pacific, a subsidiary of Boeing's Insitu Inc. of the United States, said the aircraft was delivered to its partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

"The benefits ScanEagle brings to Japan are substantial and this well-proven UAS could help save many lives in the future by getting information into the right hands quickly," said Insitu Pacific Director of Business Development Dale McDowall.

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"The ScanEagle will enhance Japan's immediate response capability and we are very pleased to have developed such a great partnership with Sojitz Corp. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan."

Insiti Pacific said the Japanese military identified the need for a UAS to assess damage and provide real-time information for first responders to natural and man-made disasters following the country's 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

The order for ScanEagle was made last year. The vehicle will undergo operational testing and evaluation by the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) for 12 months before entering service.