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BAE Systems eyes industrial base in Japan
By Jon Grevatt
03 March 2009
BAE Systems is investigating the possibility of expanding its presence in Japan along similar lines to its developments in other key markets, Jane's has learnt.
The company currently has extended industrial presence in six nations described as 'home markets': Australia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sweden, the UK and the United States. Furthermore, in recent months BAE Systems has commenced a project to do the same in India as the country emerges as a key military spender.
While the Japanese defence market is currently worth about USD200 million annually to BAE Systems, the company believes there are significantly more opportunities, some of which are related to its bid to sell the Eurofighter Typhoon to the Japanese Ministry of Defence. Confirming the move on 24 February, a BAE Systems spokesman said: "Developing the company's domestic presence in Japan, to include development and manufacturing, is something worth exploring."
Image: BAE Systems is leading the Eurofighter consortium's campaign to sell the Typhoon to Japan (Eurofighter)