Thales to open what could be Japan’s first foreign-run defence maintenance base

What happened: Thales SA will set up a maintenance and operational support base in Japan for military equipment, Nikkei reported. No opening date or location was revealed. Key numbers: Thales share price in Paris up about 1.5% around midday Monday. Thales has operated in Japan since 1970. Why it matters: The facility could be the first in Japan set up by a foreign defence company to maintain military equipment. It comes as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi increases defence spending amid concerns over China's military expansion and North Korea's weapons programmes.

Thales SA will set up a maintenance and operational support base in Japan for military equipment, Nikkei reported. No opening date or location was revealed.

The facility could be the first in Japan set up by a foreign defence company to maintain military equipment. It comes as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi increases defence spending amid concerns over China's military expansion and North Korea's weapons programmes.