General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has announced the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fujitsu Limited (Fujitsu) adding more maintenance and support for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) used for defense in Japan.

Under the new maintenance agreement, Fujitsu is providing maintenance and operational support for Japan’s MQ-9B aircraft—created by GA-ASI. This includes:

• Avionics maintenance
• Parts management
• Maintenance training
• Maintenance support services

The MQ-9B SkyGuardian has features like:

• Ability to stay airborne for 24+ hours with satellite-based remote operation
• Real-time, wide-area situational awareness in any light
• Advanced sensor systems

As the OEM for the aircraft, GA-ASI will be able to provide valuable support and training for specialized maintenance technicians working on the project.

GA-ASI and Fujitsu also plan to establish future collaborations in technical areas, such as:

• Mission systems
• Systems integration
• Next-generation technologies
• Parts management
• Avionics maintenance
• Field support
• Workforce education and training
• Supply chain navigation

Part of these plans include developing an operational infrastructure for UAS capabilities in Japan, which will involve phases like:

• Evaluating technology and business opportunities
• Conducting research on design, manufacturing and testing
• Developing security requirements in Japan
• Establish operational support capabilities

Regional Vice President for General Atomics Global Zachary Stang said, “This agreement is an important and substantial step in our efforts to provide optimal support to our Japanese customers.”

“We are excited to leverage Fujitsu’s proven excellence and expertise in maintenance and operational support as we expand the utility of our unmanned aircraft systems in Japan,” added Stang.

Head of National Security Business Unit for Fujitsu Limited Kenichiro Miyazaki said, “We are delighted to have signed this MOU with GA-ASI to explore collaboration opportunities related to the MQ-9B.”

Miyazaki continued, “Leveraging the technological capabilities Fujitsu has cultivated in the defense sector, as well as our extensive experience in maintenance and operational support, we will contribute to strengthening a sustainable maintenance framework for the MQ-9B in Japan.”

“This MOU marks the first step toward advancing the collaboration between our companies,” noted Miyazaki.

He concluded, “Looking ahead, we will explore opportunities not only in maintenance and operational support, but also in further technical collaboration, contributing to a stronger security foundation and a stable defense operation in Japan.”