KEY POINTSGA-ASI and Fujitsu sign MOU to study Japan support framework for MQ-9B unmanned aircraft systemsReview covers avionics maintenance, parts management, training, field support, mission systems and system integrationJapan plans 23 MQ-9B aircraft for the Maritime Self-Defense Force from fiscal 2027
Contract signing ceremony: Left – Kenichiro Miyazaki, Head of Fujitsu National Security Division; Right – Zachary Stang, General Atomics Global Regional Vice President – Indo Pacific
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. and Fujitsu have signed a memorandum of understanding to study the establishment of a maintenance and operational support framework for unmanned aircraft systems in Japan centered on GA-ASI’s MQ-9B surveillance drone, according to a joint release issued on August 27.
Under the agreement, the companies will examine how Fujitsu’s capabilities in Japan can be applied to MQ-9B avionics maintenance, parts management, maintenance training and support services. They also plan phased discussions on future technical cooperation and business opportunities tied to a sustainable and secure domestic operating base for unmanned aircraft systems.
The scope of talks is expected to extend beyond maintenance and operations support to mission systems and system integration, the release said.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense has announced a policy to introduce 23 MQ-9B aircraft for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force from fiscal 2027 onward to strengthen maritime surveillance capabilities and improve operational efficiency with fewer personnel. The Maritime Self-Defense Force is Japan’s navy under the country’s Self-Defense Forces.
The MQ-9B can remain airborne for more than 24 hours through satellite-enabled remote operation and can use onboard sensors to monitor wide areas in real time during day and night. As Japan moves toward domestic deployment and operation of the aircraft, local maintenance and operational support arrangements are becoming an important part of sustaining the system.
GA-ASI develops and manufactures unmanned aircraft systems and has expertise in mission operations across aircraft, sensors and ground control stations. Fujitsu has accumulated more than 10 years of experience in maintenance and operational support for Maritime Self-Defense Force patrol aircraft.
The companies described the MOU as a first step toward more concrete cooperation on the MQ-9B in Japan. GA-ASI is headquartered in Poway, California, while Fujitsu is based in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture.
AloJapan.com