American defense company Anduril Industries is negotiating to acquire Nissan Motor's assembly plant in Oppama, near Tokyo. The autonomous weapons manufacturer intends to set up production of military drones in Japan. This was reported by informed sources to Reuters.
According to them, no final decision has been made yet, but the deal could turn one of Japan's first major automobile factories post-war into a center for weapon production.
The negotiations over the Oppama plant are taking place as Prime Minister Sanae Takaiichi's government seeks to expand the country's defense production. Concerns are rising that a potential crisis in the Taiwan Strait could embroil Japan in conflict and deplete its arsenal. China, which considers democratic Taiwan part of its territory, does not rule out the use of force to assert control over the island.
At the same time, a possible deal between Anduril and Nissan could face criticism from those opposed to Japan's abandonment of post-war pacifism. It may also test public sentiment regarding the redirection of civilian industry towards military production. Additionally, there may be questions about foreign control, as American military equipment in Japan is typically produced by local companies under license.
It is expected that Takaiichi's government will present a new national security strategy this year, which could accelerate funding for drones, munitions, and other military technology.
Sources indicate that Nissan is also negotiating with other potential buyers, and Anduril still needs to receive orders from the Japanese armed forces to justify the acquisition of the plant.
