Key facts
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and NEC Corporation will collaborate on defense drones.
- The companies will also work together on AI-powered command and control systems.
- The partnership aims to reinforce Japan's defense capabilities.
- The goal is to establish data and AI sovereignty for Japan.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and NEC Corporation have entered into a strategic partnership to develop homegrown defense drones and artificial intelligence-powered command and control systems. The agreement, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, aims to enhance Japan's defense capabilities and secure its sovereignty over data and AI.
Both companies highlighted the evolving global security environment and Japan's Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces' efforts to strengthen national defense. The collaboration will leverage the strengths of both Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and NEC to provide high-value-added and reliable products and services, particularly in the context of new warfare strategies that utilize unmanned assets and AI.