General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Fujitsu Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the establishment of maintenance and operational support capabilities for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in Japan.
The agreement focuses initially on developing a framework under which Fujitsu could provide domestic maintenance and operational support for the MQ-9B, an unmanned aircraft developed and manufactured by GA-ASI for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
Under the MOU, the companies will examine opportunities covering avionics maintenance, parts management, maintenance training and in-country maintenance support services. They will also explore future technical collaboration in mission systems, systems integration and related technologies.
The partnership is intended to establish a sustainable and secure operational foundation for UAS operations in Japan. GA-ASI and Fujitsu plan to conduct phased evaluations of technologies and business opportunities involving design, manufacturing and testing capabilities that could contribute to Japan’s security requirements.
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Supporting Japan’s MQ-9B fleet
Japan is seeking to strengthen its wide-area and persistent surveillance capabilities amid an increasingly complex security environment. The country’s Ministry of Defense has announced plans to procure 23 MQ-9B aircraft for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), with deployment scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2027.
The MQ-9B can remain airborne for more than 24 hours using satellite-based remote operation and provides real-time, wide-area situational awareness through advanced sensor systems. Establishing domestic maintenance and operational support is expected to help address potential challenges associated with parts procurement lead times and the availability of personnel with specialised maintenance expertise.
GA-ASI brings experience in UAS design and manufacturing, as well as in delivering complete UAS mission solutions incorporating sensors and ground control stations.
Fujitsu, meanwhile, has more than a decade of experience in maintenance and operational support for maritime patrol aircraft operated by the JMSDF.
Broader technical collaboration planned
Building on their respective capabilities, the companies intend to advance discussions on establishing reliable and sustainable MQ-9B maintenance and operational support in Japan.
Future areas of collaboration could include avionics maintenance, field support, workforce education and training, parts management and supply chain capabilities. The companies will also examine opportunities to enhance UAS operations through mission-system integration and other advanced operational support technologies.
Zachary Stang, Regional Vice President for General Atomics Global, said the agreement represents an important step towards providing support for GA-ASI’s Japanese customers. He added that the company looks forward to leveraging Fujitsu’s maintenance and operational support expertise to expand the utility of its UAS in Japan.
Kenichiro Miyazaki, Head of the National Security Business Unit at Fujitsu, said the company would use its defence-sector technological capabilities and experience in maintenance and operational support to help establish a sustainable MQ-9B support framework in Japan.
The MOU represents the first step in a broader collaboration between GA-ASI and Fujitsu, with both companies planning to explore additional technical and commercial opportunities supporting Japan’s security and defence operations.
