French defense firm Thales to build Japan base, media report says

Thales, a prominent French defense firm, is reportedly planning to establish a maintenance and operational support base in Japan, according to a recent media report. This move, seen as a significant step for a foreign company in the country, is believed to be the first of its kind for a defense firm in Japan.

Thales Chairman and CEO Patrice Caine recently told the business daily Nikkei that the base "will mark a milestone toward Thales's long-term engagement in Japan." This development could potentially expand Thales' business operations in Japan to include civilian use as well.

The establishment of this base comes amidst Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's efforts to boost defense spending in response to China's growing military expansion and the unpredictable situation in North Korea. This shift in policy marks a departure from Japan's traditional pacifist stance, which previously limited the use of force to self-defense.

Thales is already a supplier of equipment to Japan's Self-Defense Forces. Caine highlighted potential areas for collaboration, such as radar and sonar technologies, expressing hope to "provide support in areas where Thales has an advantage in terms of performance."

Thales plans to transfer its technology to partner Japan Steel Works, with production of the 2R2M heavy mortar system set to begin in Japan from next year.