RTX set for missile defence deal with Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric
Japanese authorities have previously shown interest in Raytheon's SPY-6. (Photo: Raytheon)
Rare deal would see a Japanese manufacturer supply a foreign armed force ahead of a domestic defence force.
Japan's Mitsubishi Electric has entered the final stages of a deal to supply US defence manufacturer RTX with a major component for an advanced missile defence radar system.
According to a report by Nikkei Asia, Mitsubishi Electric will provide RTX with power supply equipment for the SPY-6 air and missile defence radar, which has been in development for the US Navy.
In July 2022, Shephard reported that Japanese authorities had shown an interest in SPY-6 radars at last year's Farnborough International Air Show. The radar has demonstrated its capabilities to defend against ballistic and cruise missiles.
According to Nikkei Asia’s report, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Jack H. Lucas became the first ship to be equipped with the SPY-6, as its was commission on October 7 in Florida.
The report noted that the deal between the two firms, which could ‘reach several hundred million dollars’, was rare in the sense that a Japanese defence company has been selected as a major supplier for a US defence company. It also said it was significant that a Japanese defence contractor would provide equipment to a US armed force before supplying its own defence forces.
In June, the Japanese Government passed a bill providing new funding for domestic companies to convert their equipment for export and has been actively encouraging its domestic defence industry to expand overseas.
In October, Mitsubishi Electric signed an agreement with the Australian Defence Department for joint equipment development.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
![UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?]()
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
![UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review]()
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
![US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities]()
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.
