GA-ASI and Fujitsu Sign MOU for UAS Maintenance in Japan
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Fujitsu Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish maintenance and operational support for the MQ-9B UAS in Japan, supporting Japan's plan to procure 23 aircraft for the JMSDF.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Fujitsu Limited announced today they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish maintenance and operational support capabilities for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in Japan.
The agreement focuses on creating a framework where Fujitsu will provide domestic maintenance and operational support for the MQ-9B, an ISR unmanned aircraft developed by GA-ASI, covering avionics maintenance, parts management, training, and support services within Japan.
Both companies aim to build a sustainable and secure operational foundation for UAS in Japan, with phased evaluations of technologies and business opportunities related to design, manufacturing, and testing to meet Japan’s security requirements.
Japan’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 via satellite-based remote operation and provides real-time, wide-area situational awareness day and night using advanced sensor systems.
Stable operation in Japan requires domestic maintenance and support capabilities to address long parts procurement lead times and the need to recruit and train personnel with specialized maintenance expertise.
GA-ASI brings extensive experience in UAS design, manufacturing, and operation of complete mission solutions, including sensors and ground control stations, with over 9 million flight hours logged across its Predator line.
Fujitsu has accumulated more than 10 years of experience in maintaining and supporting maritime patrol aircraft operated by the JMSDF.
The companies will advance discussions to establish maintenance and operational support capabilities and explore technical collaboration and commercialization opportunities in avionics maintenance, field support, workforce education, parts management, and supply chain capabilities.
They will also examine opportunities to enhance UAS operations through integration with related systems and other advanced operational support capabilities.
“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,” said Zachary Stang, Regional Vice President for General Atomics Global.
Kenichiro Miyazaki, Head of National Security Business Unit for Fujitsu Limited, said: “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. This MOU marks the first step toward advancing the collaboration between our companies. Looking ahead, we will explore opportunities not only in maintenance and operational support, but also in further technical collaboration, contributing to a stronger security foundation and a stable defense operation in Japan.”
The partnership builds on GA-ASI’s proven capabilities in UAS design and operation and Fujitsu’s decade-long experience supporting JMSDF maritime patrol aircraft, aiming to create a reliable maintenance framework for the MQ-9B in Japan.
The MOU also supports Japan’s broader security objectives by enhancing wide-area and persistent intelligence-gathering and surveillance capabilities across its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Future technical collaboration will focus on mission systems, systems integration, and other technologies to improve operational efficiency and reduce manpower requirements for maritime surveillance.
The phased evaluations will assess design, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to ensure the MQ-9B meets Japan’s evolving defense needs.
This collaboration represents a significant step in expanding UAS utility within Japan’s defense sector, leveraging both companies’ specialized expertise.
