Drone threat forces temporary closure of Iwakuni Airport runway
2 Min Read
Japan's civilian and US military airport, Iwakuni Airport, temporarily halted operations after reports of drones possibly entering its airspace, causing delays and a flight diversion.
-
Iwakuni Airfield aerial photo as seen on July 9, 2024 (WikiCommons)
Several drones were reported to have potentially entered the airspace of Iwakuni Airport in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, which serves both civilian and US military flights, prompting the temporary closure of its runway.
The Japanese Transport Ministry received the information around 7 pm on Sunday, local time.
After an hour, flight operations resumed. As a result of the threat, a flight from Tokyo had to be diverted to Hiroshima Airport to land and refuel before arriving in Iwakuni, which was delayed by about three hours.
Authorities are investigating whether drones entered the airport's airspace.
Japan, US plan missile deployment for Taiwan contingency initiative
Last month, Japan's Kyodo News reported that Japan and the US are set to finalize a joint military plan next month to address a potential Taiwan contingency initiative.
The plan involves deploying US missile units to strategic locations in Japan and the Philippines, a move likely to further escalate tensions with Beijing.
Under the proposed plan, missile units will be stationed on Japan's Nansei Islands, specifically in the southwestern prefectures of Kagoshima and Okinawa, as well as in the Philippines.
The US Marine Corps' Marine Littoral Regiment, equipped with High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and other advanced weaponry, is set to play a key role in these strategic locations.
A specialized US unit focusing on space, cyberspace, and electromagnetic operations is also expected to be stationed in the Philippines to enhance joint capabilities in modern warfare.
Read more: US to increase deployment of missile systems in Europe, Asia
