Japan Defense News

Recent industry report about Japan Defense company news, including latest market trends and industry updates in 2024. This sector news is compiled by Mordor Intelligence™ Japan Defense Market industry experts.

Japan Defense News

  • April 2023: Japan's Defense Ministry signed a contract worth USD 3 billion with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. to develop and mass-produce long-range missiles for deployment by 2026. The contracts include advanced versions of Mitsubishi's Type 12 missiles for surface, sea, and air launches, as well as a hypersonic ballistic missile for the defense of remote islands.
  • May 2023: Japan and the UAE signed an agreement on defense equipment and technology transfers in a move that enables joint research, development, and production. The agreement comes as Japan started works on a next-generation fighter aircraft with the UK and Italy, which is likely to be marketed in these three countries and as well other countries, including Middle Eastern countries.
  • October 2022: The US approved the sale of 32 Standard Missile 6 Block I missiles and MK 21 vertical launch systems to Japan. The value of the contract was USD 450 million. Under the proposed sale, RTX Corporation will provide training equipment, spares, engineering services, and logistics support services.
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  • April 2023: The US Department of State announced that it is funding the Government of Ukraine to strengthen its demining and explosive ordnance disposal capacity, as the Government of Ukraine claims that nearly 160,000 square kilometers of its land may have been contaminated by Russia’s invasion. Also, from FY 1994 to FY2022, it invested more than USD 158.5 million in conventional weapons destruction in Angola.
  • July 2022: General Dynamics European Land Systems awarded Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) a contract as the main supplier for the PIRANHA IV vehicle's military engineering attachments. Under the contract, GCS will provide GDELS-Mowag with all front-mounted attachments for the PIRANHA IV vehicles.
  • July 2024: In collaboration with Nammo AS, Diehl Defense was contracted to supply 155mm artillery projectiles to the German Armed Forces and their allied partners. This contract underscores the strategic partnership between the companies and highlights their capabilities in providing advanced munitions suitable for modern artillery systems.
  • June 2024: ST Engineering has secured contracts exceeding USD 100 million to provide NATO-standard 155mm ammunition to European nations.
  • June 2024: KNDS France secured a contract from the French procurement agency Direction générale de l'armement (DGA) to aid in the development of the KATANA high-precision guided ammunition. Set to be available for purchase within the next two years, this 155mm ammunition boasts cutting-edge guidance technology, ensuring pinpoint accuracy within a few meters.
  • July 2024: NATO took a strategic step to bolster the precision of its aerial operations by entering into a multinational framework agreement with RTX. This agreement focuses on procuring Paveway laser guidance kits. These kits, known for their versatility, can be affixed to a range of warheads, enhancing tactical targeting capabilities through cutting-edge technology.
  • January 2024: Russia unveiled its intention to mass-produce the cluster 'Glide' munition. The inaugural batch of Drel bombs is set for production in 2024, coinciding with the reported induction of approximately 10,000 S-8KL guided cluster aviation munitions.
  • July 2024: Airbus secured the SATCOMBw 3 prime contract from Germany's armed forces, the Bundeswehr. This contract pertains to the next-generation secure military satellite system, encompassing geostationary satellites, ground segments, launches, and operations, all set for a 15-year duration.
  • November 2023: The US Navy (USN) awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation a contract to craft the cockpit and computer architecture for the advanced Hawkeye (E-2D) aircraft's new generation (Delta System Software Configuration (DSSC) 6). This system is designated for the US Marine Corps (USMC) and the US Air Force (USAF) and will be used until 2028.
  • July 2024: The Brazilian Army issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for eighteen specialized engineering vehicles (VE ENG), specifically targeting the TATRA T-815 type 7T3R41. If selected, the Brazilian Army intends to integrate the Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) and Logistic Support Bridge (LSB) systems into the vehicle, enhancing its mobility for diverse tasks, from crossing water bodies to conducting military operations and providing disaster relief.
  • April 2024: Embraer and ENAER (National Aeronautical Company of Chile) announced two collaborative agreements. These agreements pertain to the A-29 Super Tucano, the C-390 Millennium defense aircraft, and a range of commercial aircraft. Through this partnership, Embraer seeks to bolster its supplier and service network in Chile, fostering a closer integration of the aerospace sectors in both Brazil and Chile.

March 2024: Collins Elbit Vision Systems (CEVS), a joint venture between Elbit Systems of America and Collins Aerospace, delivered the 3,000th F-35 Gen III Helmet Mounted Display Systems (HMDS) to the Joint Strike Fighter.

November 2023: The UK Ministry of Defense awarded a contract to HENSOLDT AG in collaboration with BAE Systems plc. Under the contract, HENSOLDT South Africa will provide cutting-edge optic sensors for the Striker II helmet and spearhead the development of its intelligent tracking system.

February 2024: South Korea is set to mass-produce a new 155 mm ammunition variant tailored for its self-propelled artillery unit, the K9. In 2023, South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) ordered 2,000 155-mm projectiles designed for an extended flight range, with delivery slated by the close of 2024. Additionally, DAPA is finalizing another agreement with Poongsan to procure further ammunition, which is scheduled for production in 2025.

January 2023: The Australian government unveiled plans to bolster the nation's defense prowess by acquiring cutting-edge weapon systems. The government signed contracts worth USD 675.80 million, entrusting CEA and Kongsberg Gruppen ASA to supply these advanced systems. Specifically, CEA is set to provide the Army with High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), while Kongsberg will equip the Royal Australian Navy with naval strike missiles.

April 2024: Elbit Systems Ltd secured a two-year contract worth USD 50 million for its latest air defense system, Red Sky. Red Sky is a tactical, very short-range air defense (VSHORAD) system tailored to counter low-altitude aerial threats. Under the agreement, Elbit Systems will deliver two Red Sky batteries, providing a holistic defense approach that combines soft-kill and hard-kill capabilities.

January 2024: The Ukrainian armed forces reported successfully deploying their FrankenSAM air defense systems. This deployment was a strategic response to counter offensive attacks from Russia. Notably, the newly deployed mechanism demonstrated its effectiveness by successfully neutralizing a Shahed kamikaze drone launched by Russia at five miles. This successful interception highlighted the capabilities and efficiency of the Ukrainian air defense systems in the face of emerging threats.

May 2024: Lockheed Martin Australia received a contract from the Australian Defense to propel the Joint Air Battle Management System, a key component of Project AIR6500. Valued at approximately USD 500 million, this contract was a pivotal step in the Federal Government's efforts to bolster the ADF's integrated air and missile defense capabilities, aligning with the directives outlined in the National Defense Strategy and Integrated Investment Program.

July 2023: The Australian government unveiled plans for the Land 200 Phase 3 initiative. This initiative is set to usher in a cutting-edge battlefield command system for the country's ground forces. Additionally, the project will equip the Australian Army with advanced battle management systems (BMS) and a seamlessly integrated tactical communications network.

May 2023: FNSS Defence Systems, a Turkish company, secured a contract to enhance the capabilities of Turkey's ACV-15 advanced armored personnel carriers (AAPCs) for the Turkish Army. The deal, aimed at extending the vehicles' service life by two decades, focuses on boosting their performance. FNSS planned to equip the AAPCs with cutting-edge subsystems, enhancing their versatility for various missions and bolstering their ability to counter advanced battlefield threats.

April 2023: The German Army awarded Rheinmetall AG and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) a contract to upgrade 143 Puma infantry fighting vehicles. The companies committed to enhancing these vehicles' firepower and command and control capabilities, with a target completion set for 2029.

Japan Defense Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)