Japan will begin research on using artificial intelligence to bolster surveillance by naval patrol aircraft, as a changing national security environment forces the Self-Defense Forces to take on wider roles despite a personnel shortage. The AI would help ascertain whether a target spotted by conventional radar is an enemy vessel or some other threat. Machine learning through previous data would be used to develop the ability to identify a vessel from images that are difficult for the human eye to decipher. Currently, radar data converted to black-and-white images are scrutinized by experienced SDF personnel. The Defense Ministry will use a budget of about 900 million yen ($8.25 million) for development in the fiscal year starting in April, with the goal of outfitting Maritime SDF patrol planes with the technology as early as fiscal 2024.