As Asian nations ramp up their defense spending, a growing focus has emerged on unmanned systems, particularly for naval operations.
Indonesia’s recent agreement with Turkish defense contractor Baykar Technology marks a significant step in integrating drone capabilities into its naval strategy. Under the deal, Baykar will supply Indonesia with 60 Bayraktar TB3 drones and nine Akinci unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).
The Bayraktar TB3 is a more advanced version of the widely used TB2. It is designed for naval operations and can take off from drone carriers and amphibious assault ships like Turkey’s TCG Anadolu.
This acquisition comes amid speculation that Indonesia is negotiating with Italy to acquire the retired ITS Garibaldi aircraft carrier.
The combination of a drone-equipped carrier and the newly acquired UAVs could significantly enhance Indonesia’s maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities.
Indonesia is not alone in its push for unmanned naval assets. Across Asia, countries such as China, South Korea, Iran, and Turkey have been actively investing in naval drone technology.
This trend aligns with broader global military advancements, as unmanned systems offer cost-effective alternatives to traditional manned platforms.
The growing reliance on drones has been further fueled by lessons from the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, where both sides have effectively deployed UAVs for intelligence gathering and offensive operations.
It’s not just aerial drones that have captured interest—unmanned surface vessels (USVs) have also showcased their capabilities.
USVs have proven particularly effective in Ukraine’s naval strategy, demonstrating their ability to threaten and damage larger adversary warships.
Their success has even led to the formation of a dedicated Ukrainian naval brigade specializing in unmanned systems. This development underscores the increasing role of drone warfare in modern naval operations.
The Rise Of Naval Drone Warfare In Asia
In recent years, Asian naval forces have increasingly embraced drone warfare as a cost-effective and operationally efficient means to enhance maritime security and expand their power projection capabilities. Unmanned systems, once considered auxiliary tools, are now becoming central to naval strategies across the region.
The vast waters of Asia have long been a geopolitical hotspot, with multiple territorial disputes fueling military developments. China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea, Japan’s ongoing maritime disputes in the East China Sea, and India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean have transformed these waters into arenas of military maneuvering and competition.
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For many nations, drones provide a low-risk yet highly effective way to monitor adversaries. Unlike manned aircraft, drones can conduct prolonged surveillance missions—sometimes lasting days, over contested areas, collecting intelligence without endangering pilots.
Among Asian nations, China has been at the forefront of naval drone deployment. The Chinese military operates various unmanned systems, including the GJ-2 reconnaissance-attack UAVs, which frequently patrol disputed areas such as the South China Sea.
These drones serve as strategic eyes in the sky, closely monitoring the movements of the US and its allies in the region.
The increasing presence of Chinese drones near Japan has also raised concerns. Numerous instances have occurred where Japanese F-15 fighter jets were scrambled to intercept Chinese UAVs entering Japanese airspace.
Additionally, China is actively experimenting with drone swarms—groups of small, interconnected UAVs capable of operating in unison. If successfully developed, such technology could overwhelm an enemy’s defenses through sheer numbers.
India is also advancing its naval drone capabilities. To increase maritime surveillance, the Indian Navy has leased two American SeaGuardian drones, which have played a crucial role in monitoring the vast Indian Ocean.
These UAVs have already proven their operational effectiveness, most notably in the recent rescue of the hijacked merchant vessel MV Ruen. The operation conducted 1,400 kilometers off the Indian coast, involved the MQ-9 SeaGuardian drone providing real-time intelligence to assist naval commandos in neutralizing the threat.
Encouraged by the success of its leased drones, India has now moved to procure 31 US-made MQ-9B UAVs, with 15 designated for naval operations. The Indian Navy has also acquired the Drishti 10, the Indian variant of Israel’s Hermes StarLiner.
Further, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has also prioritized integrating drones into its naval operations. The MQ-9B SeaGuardian has been selected for surveillance over Japanese waters, particularly in response to increased activity by Chinese naval vessels around Okinawa.
Given Japan’s ongoing manpower shortages in the Self-Defense Forces, unmanned systems offer a crucial solution to bolster maritime monitoring without requiring additional personnel.
Since May 2023, the JMSDF has been testing the General Atomics SeaGuardian UAV at Hachinohe and Kanoya Air Bases. These test operations have confirmed the UAV’s effectiveness in long-range surveillance and reconnaissance, further cementing its role in Japan’s maritime security framework.
South Korea is another nation that seems to be looking to invest heavily in drone technology. On November 12, 2024, the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) conducted a successful takeoff test of the General Atomics “Mojave” drone from the amphibious assault ship ROKS Dokdo.
This test signals a potential shift toward adapting the Dokdo-class vessels for drone carrier operations. The ROKN has stated that these trials are part of its broader effort to develop an integrated manned-unmanned combat system in response to escalating regional security challenges.
Beyond East Asia, Iran has emerged as a key player in naval drone development. In February, Iran unveiled its first drone-carrier warship, the Shahid Bagheri.
The vessel, equipped with a 180-meter runway, is designed to operate various unmanned aircraft, including the Ababil-3, Mohajer-6, and the stealth-capable Qaher-313 drones.
The Shahid Bagheri’s design also incorporates davits for launching and recovering small boats, reinforcing its multi-role capabilities. This development highlights Iran’s strategy to extend its naval reach beyond its immediate waters, potentially influencing conflicts in distant regions.
Despite their growing prominence, drones are not without vulnerabilities. Unmanned systems rely on electronic signals that can be disrupted through jamming or cyberattacks, an area where technologically advanced countries like China and Russia excel.
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