Japanese made, unmanned helicopters may be in hands of Chinese Army

Mainichi
Jan. 24, 2006

IWATA, Shizuoka -- Several unmanned helicopters produced by Yamaha Motor Co. may have been passed on to China's People's Liberation Army, it has been learned.

Suspicions have arisen that the helicopters, which are employed largely for industrial use but can be also used for military purposes, were illegally exported to China, investigators allege.

Yamaha Motor has denied the allegations, but suspicions have arisen that the helicopters may have been passed on to the People's Liberation Army. Police and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry are investigating the company over its actions.

Investigators said Yamaha Motor was involved in trade with an aircraft firm in Beijing. The aircraft firm's Web site says Yamaha Motor's unmanned helicopters have prospects for "wide use in civilian and military fields." An unmanned helicopter is pictured alongside a People's Liberation Army jet.

Fukuoka Prefectural Police uncovered the latest incident while investigating a Chinese broker over allegations of illegal work. The broker was reportedly involved in negotiations between Yamaha Motor and the Chinese firm. Judging from statements made by the broker, police and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry believe that Yamaha Motor was sufficiently aware of the wrongdoing. (Mainichi)