Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japan’s biggest arms producer, is taking aim at more deals to sell its weapons abroad, according to its chief executive, as it revamps efforts to win a $36bn submarine contract from Australia.
“We need to preserve the defence industry in a healthy form to strengthen Japan’s security,” Shunichi Miyanaga said in an interview. “In order to maintain and enhance our technology, we need to seek more opportunities [for arms exports].”
Mr Miyanaga’s language marks a subtle shift from past reluctance among Japanese companies to openly talk about military technology and the arms business, which remain sensitive issues for neighbouring countries as well as the domestic public.