Mitsubishi Electric lands Australia defense contract in industry first

Laser surveillance deal marks first by Japanese company with foreign government

20231019N Australian fighter jet

An Australian air force fighter during a demonstration. The country looks to boost its jets' surveillance capabilities with Mitsubishi laser tech. © Reuters

YOICHIRO HIROI, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Mitsubishi Electric has signed an agreement with the Australian Defence Department for joint equipment development, the company announced Thursday, the first time a Japanese company has entered a defense contract with a foreign government.

Subsidiary Mitsubishi Electric Australia and the Australian military will combine laser technologies to enhance surveillance capabilities for fighter jets and vehicles. The development timeline and cost estimates were not disclosed.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.