Collins Aerospace, a business of Raytheon Technologies, is well placed to benefit from the growth in defence spending in Japan.
The company, which is showcasing its products at the ongoing DSEI Japan, has a longstanding presence in the country. Collins Aerospace is currently evaluating and qualifying opportunities to position its advanced solutions and new technologies as part of the GCAP programme, in which Japan is now a partner.
In an exclusive interview to Atul Chandra, Francis St-Louis, Associate Director, Sales & Business Development (Asia), Mission Systems, Collins Aerospace provides insights into the company’s plans for the Japanese market.
Please elaborate on Collins Aerospace presence in the defence sector in Japan?
Collins Aerospace is a business of Raytheon Technologies and we have had a long history of doing business in Japan through local partnerships developing/manufacturing aerospace & defence products and we are looking to collaborate with more companies to support Japan’s industry capability and objectives. Collins Aerospace has also been actively involved in the installation and support of our airborne radios such as the ARC-210 and TALON-J on various Japan Ministry of Defence aircraft and we are planning to work with a local partner to license and produce radios for use in future indigenous aircraft.
Our solutions such as the connected battlespace, MS-110, ACES5 ejection seats and Helmet Mounted Display Systems make us a strong partner to support Japan’s present and future aircraft and we also offer a broad spectrum of advanced, battle-proven solutions that serve the warfighters of today and tomorrow to be mission-ready. We are actively involved in key programs across Japan and look forward to expanding our presence across the country and meeting the mission critical requirements of our customers through innovation and collaboration.
What are the key offerings related to airborne and naval systems for the JASDF and JMSDF?
Our defence solutions are positioned on many platforms in Japan to support airborne and maritime tactical communication, ejection seat and propulsion, as well as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance needs.
Japan is now part of the GCAP effort to develop a 6th gen fighter – what are the areas in which Collins Aerospace can help?
This will be a generational program in Japan. Collins Aerospace is currently evaluating and qualifying opportunities to position our advanced, battle-proven solutions and new technologies as part of the GCAP program. Collins is a member of Team Tempest and has been selected to provide actuation systems for the program.
Under a contract with BAE Systems, Collins will develop a number of demonstration components as part of continuing technology de-risking work on the program and we will continue to support it.
What are the company’s future plans for the Japanese market?
Because economic growth remains the primary driver behind defense budget growth, the supply/demand of defense articles is growing in Japan. Japan is modernizing its assets. As part of their modernization decisions, they make an analysis of whether to upgrade existing assets or purchase new or used assets. Such modernization programs are competing with all other programs and pressure to purchase new equipment – remains a challenge. Collins
Aerospace will be present in Japan to support their needs and growth. Through collaboration with local companies/agencies to support indigenous programs, and the Japanese government is also encouraging local companies to be more open to foreign partnerships. Collins is well-positioned to deliver cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with Japanese industry to further develop the systems required for their modernization.
What is the in-country support infrastructure that has been established in Japan for Collins Aerospace equipment?
Collins Aerospace (Mission Systems): Installation and support of our airborne radios such as the ARC-210 and TALON-J on various JMoD aircraft.
Silicon Sensing Systems Ltd, is jointly owned by Collins Aerospace and Sumitomo Precision Products. Silicon Sensing specializes in the development and manufacture of high integrity, reliable and affordable MEMS inertial sensors, systems and foundry services.
Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems (HSSI), is jointly owned by Collins Aerospace and Sumitomo Precision Products and specializes in space opportunities.
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