Three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters about this. If the deal goes through, one of the symbols of Japan’s postwar industrial revival could become a hub for defense manufacturing. The Oppama plant, which opened in 1961, has produced about 18 million cars and served as the production site for the Nissan Leaf—one of the company’s first mass-market electric vehicles.
According to the news agency, Nissan is continuing to discuss the plant’s future with other potential buyers as well. The negotiations are taking place amid efforts by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government to expand defense production. Concerns are growing in Tokyo that a potential crisis involving Taiwan could drag Japan into a regional conflict and lead to a rapid depletion of its weapons stockpiles.
Japanese authorities are expected to present a new national security strategy within the year, which may include accelerated funding for programs involving drones, ammunition, and other military equipment.
At the same time, the potential deal could spark public debate. Critics are already warning of Japan’s gradual departure from its postwar pacifist policy and of the risks of placing strategic defense production under the control of a foreign company. Traditionally, American weapons in Japan have been manufactured under license by Japanese producers.
According to Reuters, Anduril is considering retraining the plant’s employees to work on defense projects. It is noted that the plant employs about 2,400 people.
Additional interest in the site stems from its location. The plant is situated near the Yokosuka Naval Base—the headquarters of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and one of the U.S. Navy’s key bases in the region.
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