French defense contractor Thales to open Japan maintenance base

What happened: Thales will set up a base in Japan for maintenance and operational support of defense equipment, per Nikkei. Partner Japan Steel Works will produce mortars beginning next year. Key numbers: Mortar production starts next year. Why it matters: The move places a French defense contractor's support operations in Japan alongside local production by Japan Steel Works, expanding Thales' presence in the Japanese defense market.

Thales will set up a base in Japan for maintenance and operational support of defense equipment, per Nikkei. Partner Japan Steel Works will produce mortars beginning next year.

The move places a French defense contractor's support operations in Japan alongside local production by Japan Steel Works, expanding Thales' presence in the Japanese defense market.