Fujitsu and U.S.-based GA-ASI have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly establish a domestic maintenance and operations framework for the 23 MQ-9B aircraft that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force plans to begin deploying in fiscal 2027.
As the Ministry of Defense moves forward with plans to introduce 23 state-of-the-art unmanned aircraft, Fujitsu and GA-ASI signed a memorandum of understanding on 27 August 2026 to establish a maintenance and operations framework in Japan.
The aircraft covered are MQ-9Bs for intelligence gathering and reconnaissance by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. They can be remotely operated via satellite communications and have long-endurance flight capabilities.
Fujitsu plans to handle avionics maintenance, parts management and training for maintenance technicians, drawing on its own strengths. GA-ASI will support the development of the framework in Japan by leveraging its experience with unmanned aircraft systems. The companies are also considering future technical collaboration on mission systems and other areas.
Strengthening Japan’s domestic maintenance base and expanding education and training are considered essential to stable operations in Japan. Fujitsu is expected to help improve operational sustainability by drawing on its capabilities as an IT company. This is expected to contribute to strengthening Japan’s technological base in the defense sector.
Going forward, collaboration between Fujitsu and GA-ASI is expected to advance the development of a specific domestic maintenance and operations framework for the MQ-9B. The initiative is also expected to support digital transformation in Japan’s national security sector, including the possibility of technical collaboration on mission systems and other areas.