Thales to open what could be Japan’s first foreign-run defence maintenance base

The facility could be the first in Japan set up by a foreign defence company to maintain military equipment and support its operation, according to Nikkei. French defence company Thales SA will establish a maintenance and operational support base in Japan for military equipment, Nikkei reported on Monday, but neither an opening date nor a location has been revealed. Chairman and chief executive Patrice Caine told the Nikkei business daily that the base "will mark a milestone toward Thales's long-term engagement in Japan". The facility could be the first in Japan set up by a foreign defence company to maintain military equipment and support its operation, the newspaper reported. The new maintenance base will check the condition of military equipment and diagnose faults, according to Nikkei. Initially, it will focus on equipment for the Maritime Self-Defence Force, with plans to extend its work to the Ground and Air Self-Defence Forces. Caine cited technologies such as radar and sonar as possible areas for cooperation with Japan, saying that he hoped to "provide support in areas where Thales has an advantage in terms of performance". The facility’s work could also extend to civilian equipment in the future, the newspaper said. The report comes as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi continues to increase defence spending amid concerns over China's rapid military expansion and North Korea’s weapons programmes. Alongside its maintenance plans, Thales is also expanding local production. It will transfer technology for its 2R2M heavy mortar system to Japan Steel Works, which will begin producing it in Japan in 2027, according to Nikkei. Thales has been supplying Mitsubishi Heavy Industries with sonar for underwater vehicles used by Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force to detect mines. Thales has operated in Japan since 1970, with activities spanning defence, aerospace and digital security. The company's share price in Paris was up by about 1.5% around midday on Monday.