The Ministry of Defense announced that it had signed an agreement to acquire Nippon Steel's former site in Kure City. Plans have been presented to develop ammunition depots and unmanned aircraft manufacturing facilities in Kure City and establish a multifunctional defense complex.
The Ministry of Defense disclosed at a post-Cabinet meeting press conference that it had signed an agreement to acquire Nippon Steel's former site in Kure City. The site is the former Nippon Steel property, and plans have been presented to proceed with the development of a multifunctional defense complex.
The plan includes developing ammunition depots and unmanned aircraft manufacturing facilities, as well as considering the establishment of an area to attract private companies involved in the defense industry. The plan takes into account broad recruitment of companies engaged in the manufacture and research and development of defense equipment, along with contributions to the local economy.
Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro (小泉進次郎) described the Kure area as an extremely important area for national security and expressed his intention to strengthen Japan's defense capabilities through the development of a multifunctional complex.
Kure Mayor Shinhara (新原) referred to the potential for regional revitalization, including expanded employment among businesses in the city and growth in defense-related tourism.