# Thales to build Japan defense base

> French defense firm Thales will establish first foreign maintenance base in Japan for military equipment.
- Title: Thales to build Japan defense base · The Japan Times
- Summary: French defense firm Thales will establish first foreign maintenance base in Japan for military equipment. Thales Group will build Japan's first foreign…
- Keywords: thales, japan, defense, self-defense-forces, military-equipment, maintenance-base, news, politics, world, build, base, The Japan Times
- Source: The Japan Times — https://japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/12/companies/french-defense-firm-japan-base
- Author: No Author
- Published: 2026-10-12T06:54:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: thales, japan, defense, self-defense-forces, military-equipment, maintenance-base, news, politics, world
## Thales to build Japan base
French defense contractor Thales will establish first foreign maintenance base in Japan for military equipment.
## First foreign base in Japan
Reportedly the first time a foreign defense company has established dedicated base for Japanese defense equipment maintenance.
## Thales CEO comments
Thales Chairman and CEO Patrice Caine said the base will mark milestone toward Thales's long-term engagement in Japan.
## Future civilian use
Thales may expand Japan-based business to civilian use in future.
## Defense spending boost
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi boosts defense spending amid China's military expansion and North Korea's unpredictability.
## Technology transfer
Thales will transfer radar and sonar technology to Japan Steel Works for 2R2M heavy mortar system production starting next year.
## Key takeaway

Thales Group will build Japan's first foreign defense base for military equipment maintenance.