GA-ASI and Fujitsu Partner to Support UAS Operations and Maintenance in Japan

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. and Fujitsu Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the establishment of domestic maintenance and operational support capabilities for unmanned aircraft systems in Japan. The GA-ASI UAS Japan agreement initially focuses on support for the MQ-9B while also establishing a framework for potential future technical collaboration.

The companies will examine capabilities covering avionics maintenance, parts management, training and support services as Japan prepares for future MQ-9B operations.

GA-ASI UAS Japan Partnership Focuses on MQ-9B Support

Under the MOU, GA-ASI and Fujitsu will begin evaluating a framework that could allow Fujitsu to provide maintenance and operational support for the MQ-9B within Japan.

Areas under consideration include:

• Avionics maintenance
• Parts management
• Maintenance training
• Maintenance support services
• Field support
• Workforce education and training
• Supply chain capabilities

The companies will also explore technical collaboration involving mission systems, systems integration and related technologies.

Companies Plan Phased Evaluation of UAS Capabilities

GA-ASI and Fujitsu said they intend to establish a sustainable and secure operational foundation for UAS operations in Japan.

The companies will conduct phased evaluations of technologies and business opportunities involving:

• Design
• Manufacturing
• Testing
• Mission systems
• Systems integration
• Operational support

According to the announcement, the work is intended to contribute to Japan’s security requirements while establishing domestic support capabilities for unmanned aircraft.

Japan Plans to Procure 23 MQ-9B Aircraft

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.

According to the companies, Japan is seeking to strengthen wide-area and persistent intelligence-gathering and surveillance capabilities across its Exclusive Economic Zone while improving operational efficiency and reducing manpower requirements.

The MQ-9B can remain airborne for more than 24 hours using satellite-based remote operation.

The aircraft is designed to provide real-time, wide-area situational awareness during both day and night operations using advanced sensor systems.

Domestic Maintenance Intended to Support MQ-9B Operations

GA-ASI and Fujitsu said stable MQ-9B operations in Japan will require domestic maintenance and operational support capabilities.

The companies identified several issues that such a framework could address, including:

• Extended parts procurement lead times
• Recruitment of specialized maintenance personnel
• Training of maintenance personnel
• Domestic parts management
• Supply chain support

GA-ASI brings experience in UAS design and manufacturing as well as complete mission systems incorporating sensors and ground control stations.

Fujitsu has accumulated more than 10 years of experience providing maintenance and operational support for maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Future Collaboration Could Extend Beyond Maintenance

The companies plan to continue discussions on establishing the maintenance and operational support framework while also evaluating broader technical and commercial opportunities.

Potential future work could include integration with related systems and additional operational support technologies intended to enhance UAS operations.

“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 GA-ASI UAS Japan partnership establishes a framework for the companies to develop domestic MQ-9B maintenance and operational support capabilities while exploring future cooperation in mission systems, integration, training and other unmanned aircraft technologies.

Source: Press release from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. and Fujitsu Limited