Aerospace & Defense IndustriesPartner Japan Steel Works will produce mortars beginning next yearThales is known for its detection technologies, like this medium-range radar. © ReutersNikkei staff writersOctober 11, 2026 06:04 JSTPARIS/TOKYO -- French defense giant Thales will establish a base in Japan to handle the maintenance and operational support of defense equipment, Nikkei has learned. Read NextAerospace & Defense IndustriesUK-Japan-Italy fighter plans Japan design center with '1,000' staffBusiness dealsBangladesh flag carrier buys 10 Airbus jets amid regional hub ambitionsDefenseAustralia will buy Japan frigates despite budget cuts: finance chiefDefenseJapan to develop low-cost cruise missile that overwhelms air defensesLatest on Aerospace & Defense IndustriesAerospace & Defense IndustriesUK-Japan-Italy fighter plans Japan design center with '1,000' staffAerospace & Defense IndustriesUK PM Burnham says he is open to Germany joining GCAP fighter programAerospace & Defense IndustriesTurkish arms group eyes Japan ties in air defense and underwater drones