Fujitsu and General Atomics Global representatives sign the MOU. Photo: GA-ASI, August 26, 2026.
Focus on MQ-9B Maintenance to Strengthen Japan’s UAS Operational Foundation
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Fujitsu Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the establishment of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) maintenance and operational support capabilities in Japan, while also pursuing future technical collaboration. The two companies aim to build a stronger operational foundation for the MQ-9B in Japan and enhance the system’s long-term sustainment and mission support capabilities.
Under the MoU, the companies will begin examining a framework under which Fujitsu would provide domestic maintenance and operational support for the MQ-9B, developed and manufactured by GA-ASI. Areas under discussion include avionics maintenance, parts management, maintenance training, and maintenance support services in Japan. The two companies will also explore future cooperation in mission systems, systems integration, and other related technologies.
Building a Domestic Support Framework While Expanding Technical Cooperation
The two companies said they will conduct phased evaluations of technologies and business opportunities related to design, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to establish a secure and sustainable operational foundation for UAS in Japan. In addition to developing MQ-9B maintenance and operational support capabilities, they will explore future cooperation and commercialization opportunities in areas such as mission systems and systems integration to expand the utility of unmanned aircraft systems.
As the global security environment becomes increasingly complex, Japan faces a growing need to strengthen persistent, wide-area intelligence-gathering and surveillance capabilities across its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Japan’s Ministry of Defense has announced plans to procure 23 MQ-9B aircraft for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), with deployment scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2027. The effort is intended to strengthen maritime surveillance and security missions while improving operational efficiency and reducing manpower requirements.
MQ-9B Offers More Than 24 Hours of Endurance for Long-Range Maritime Surveillance
The MQ-9B can remain airborne for more than 24 hours through satellite-based remote operation and, equipped with advanced sensor systems, can provide real-time, wide-area situational awareness around the clock. As the MQ-9B is expected to conduct long-duration missions in Japan, GA-ASI and Fujitsu consider a domestic maintenance and operational support framework important for addressing challenges such as extended parts procurement lead times and the recruitment and training of personnel with specialized maintenance expertise.
GA-ASI and Fujitsu Combine Expertise to Strengthen MQ-9B Sustainment in Japan
GA-ASI brings extensive experience in UAS design and manufacturing, as well as complete UAS mission solutions covering sensors, ground control stations, and overall mission operations. Fujitsu, meanwhile, has more than 10 years of experience in maintenance and operational support for maritime patrol aircraft operated by the JMSDF. By combining their respective technical and sustainment expertise, the two companies aim to establish a long-term, stable, and reliable MQ-9B maintenance and operational support framework in Japan.
Going forward, the two companies will continue discussions on establishing the required maintenance and operational support capabilities while exploring technical collaboration and commercialization opportunities in avionics maintenance, field support, maintenance, workforce education and training, parts management, and supply chain capabilities. They will also examine opportunities to enhance UAS operations through integration with related systems and other advanced operational support capabilities, further supporting Japan’s security requirements.
Zachary Stang, Regional Vice President for General Atomics Global, said the agreement represents an important step toward providing optimal support to Japanese customers, adding that GA-ASI looks forward to leveraging Fujitsu’s expertise in maintenance and operational support to expand the utility of its unmanned aircraft systems in Japan. Kenichiro Miyazaki, Head of the National Security Business Unit at Fujitsu, said the company will draw on its defense-sector technologies and extensive maintenance and operational support experience to contribute to a sustainable MQ-9B maintenance framework, describing the MoU as a first step toward deeper cooperation between the two companies.
Originally published by Little Liao in Asia Horizon Review on Medium