JAPAN TO EXPAND DRONE BANS AT SELECTED SITES AS TERROR RISK INCREASES

TOKYO, Dec 18 (Bernama-Kyodo) --  Japan's police agency said Thursday it plans to expand areas in which drone flying is prohibited around designated sites to around 1,000 metres, up from some 300 metres, as technological improvements in the unmanned aircraft create an increased risk of terrorism, Kyodo News reported.

The National Police Agency hopes to see a revision to the drone law at the next Diet session, following a report compiled by experts that highlighted the enhanced capability of drones and their more widespread use.

The designated sites around or over which drones are banned include the prime minister's office, the Imperial Palace, nuclear plants, airports and Self-Defence Forces facilities, among others.

The agency also wants to temporarily prohibit flights around venues of large international events, such as the Group of Seven summit, or domestic ceremonies where VIPs are attending.

The advances in technology of the unmanned aircraft have raised fears of remote attacks and concerns that police officers may not be equipped to respond, the agency said.

According to the report and other sources, drones are now capable of flying up to 150 kilometres per hour, up from around 50 kph in 2016 when the law was enacted.

The distance over which drones can transmit video footage has also grown to a maximum of 10 km as compared to 200 metres to 300 metres earlier. Load capacity also increased from between 80 gramme and 5 kilogrammes to 30 kg.

Some models can also be equipped with firearms and are capable of withstanding recoil from firing.

-- BERNAMA-KYODO