General Atomics is expanding its presence in Japan through new partnerships, announcing new investments in the nuclear energy and rare earth elements sectors.
According to Vivek Lall, chief executive at General Atomics, the California-based company has a “series of strategic engagements with government officials, industry leaders and research institutions in Japan” to develop critical and emerging technologies.
“General Atomics is committed to collaborating with its Japanese partners to advance the development of cutting-edge technologies in the maritime security, nuclear energy, and rare earth elements sectors,” he said.
The defense, energy and transportation technology provider expects to share more information about the engagements in the coming months.
The Japanese military is currently testing the MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft, which are built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. The unmanned aerial systems promise long endurance to conduct various missions, search and rescue, disaster response and maritime surveillance.
The test is part of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance RPAS Trial Operation Project that commenced in April 2023.
GA-ASI will also provide 11 SkyGuardian aircraft to the Canadian military under a $1.97 billion contract.