NEC partners with MHI to strengthen Japan’s defense capabilities

Japan’s NEC Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) have signed an MoU toward a strategic partnership in the defense sector. Through this partnership, the two companies will strengthen their collaboration in areas such as operation plans, command and control, and unmanned assets, with the aim of reinforcing Japan’s industrial base for defense and establishing data and AI sovereignty, according to a media release.

As the integration of defense equipment and cloud operations progresses and the utilization of AI technology advances, NEC and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will leverage their respective strengths to contribute to the strengthening and transformation of defense capabilities by providing high-value-added and highly reliable products and services for the development of new command and control systems.

“This partnership marks an important step toward realizing a truly sovereign and highly reliable defense system that brings together Japan’s technologies and expertise,” said Takayuki Morita, President and CEO, NEC Corporation. “Going forward, we will contribute to the strengthening and transformation of Japan’s defense by ensuring the performance of critical capabilities with cutting-edge technologies and leveraging domain knowledge.”

“We are confident that this partnership will be a crucial foundation for a truly sovereign and highly reliable defense system that integrates both companies’ advanced technologies and expertise and maximizes our technological advantages,” said Eisaku Ito, President and CEO, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. “Together, we will support safety and security, contribute to the further strengthening of defense capabilities and the sustainable development of security infrastructure.”