Drones breach Japanese nuclear site

Three drones flew over Japan’s Genkai nuclear plant on Saturday, prompting an investigation by the country’s nuclear watchdog. No irregularities or threats were found, authorities said.

Three unidentified drones entered the premises of the Genkai Nuclear Power Station in Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Saturday evening, according to Kyodo News citing the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA).

Kyushu Electric Power, which operates the facility, reported the incident to the NRA around 9 pm local time. A swift inspection revealed no abnormalities in reactor operations or radiation levels, and there was no threat to residents in the surrounding area.

“Such an incident is extremely unusual,” an NRA official told local media, referring to the strict prohibition of drone activity above or near nuclear facilities across Japan.

Authorities have yet to determine who was operating the drones or the intent behind the incursion. Police investigations are ongoing.

The Genkai plant houses four reactors. The No. 1 and No. 2 units are being decommissioned, while the No. 3 and No. 4 reactors resumed operations in 2018 under enhanced safety standards introduced after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.

There was no evacuation order issued, and the Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed that radiation levels remained within normal parameters throughout the incident.

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