General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Fujitsu Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the establishment of maintenance and operational support capabilities for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in Japan, as well as their commitment to future technical collaboration.
Under the MOU, the companies will begin examining the establishment of a framework under which Fujitsu would 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. The scope of discussions includes avionics maintenance, parts management, maintenance training, and maintenance support services within Japan. The companies will also explore future technical collaboration in areas related to mission systems, systems integration, and other technologies.
Both companies aim to establish a sustainable and secure operational foundation for UAS in Japan. As security environments around the world continue to grow increasingly complex, Japan faces the challenge of strengthening its wide-area and persistent intelligence-gathering and surveillance capabilities across its vast Exclusive Economic Zone. Japan’s Ministry of Defense has announced plans to procure 23 MQ-9B aircraft for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, with deployment scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2027.
The MQ-9B is capable of remaining airborne for more than 24 hours through satellite-based remote operation and can provide real-time, wide-area situational awareness day and night using advanced sensor systems. Stable operation of the MQ-9B in Japan requires the establishment of domestic maintenance and operational support capabilities to address challenges such as prolonged parts procurement lead times and the recruitment and training of personnel with specialized expertise.
GA-ASI has extensive experience in UAS design and manufacturing as well as in the operation of complete UAS mission solutions. For more than 10 years, Fujitsu has accumulated experience and expertise in the maintenance and operational support for maritime patrol aircraft operated by the JMSDF.
Zachary Stang, Regional Vice President for General Atomics Global, stated: “This agreement is an important and substantial step in our efforts to provide optimal support to our Japanese customers. We are excited to leverage Fujitsu’s proven excellence and expertise in maintenance and operational support as we expand the utility of our unmanned aircraft systems in Japan.”
Kenichiro Miyazaki, Head of National Security Business Unit for Fujitsu Limited, added: “We are delighted to have signed this MOU with GA-ASI to explore collaboration opportunities related to the MQ-9B. Leveraging the technological capabilities Fujitsu has cultivated in the defense sector, as well as our extensive experience in maintenance and operational support, we will contribute to strengthening a sustainable maintenance framework for the MQ-9B in Japan.”
