General Atomics announced on 19 February that it is expanding its collaborations and partnerships across Japan with new investments in the nuclear energy and rare earth elements sectors.
Numerous teaming arrangements are in the late stages of discussion and are set to be announced in early 2024, the company noted. These partnerships will complement the company’s existing relationships as a long-term partner collaborating with Japanese industry and government agencies.
“General Atomics is committed to collaborating with its Japanese partners to advance the development of cutting-edge technologies in the maritime security, nuclear energy, and rare earth elements sectors,” Dr Vivek Lall, chief executive at General Atomics Global Corporation, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “Building on a legacy of successful collaborations, we have held a series of strategic engagements with government officials, industry leaders, and research institutions in Japan. These engagements have laid the foundation for future partnerships aimed at advancing the development of critical and emerging technologies.”
In 2023 Japan’s Kyoto Fusioneering announced an agreement with General Atomics to supply two advanced gyrotrons to the US Department of Energy’s DIII-D National Fusion Facility in San Diego, California.
Currently, meanwhile, the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) are testing and deploying the MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI). The SeaGuardian is a long-endurance maritime surveillance aircraft that can be used for a variety of missions, including search and rescue, disaster response, and maritime law enforcement.
