Anduril Industries and Nissan Motor are reportedly discussing a possible partnership that would transform the automaker’s Oppama assembly plant into a military drone production facility.
Sources said the California-based firm is considering acquiring the plant as part of a broader effort to establish drone manufacturing in Japan, amid growing calls to strengthen the country’s defense industrial base in response to a potential Taiwan Strait conflict.
While no official decision has been made, Nissan is also said to be in discussions with other prospective buyers for the factory, which is scheduled to cease vehicle production in 2028.
Anduril has yet to comment on the reported talks but said it is working with Japan to “explore opportunities to strengthen local production.”
The company has already demonstrated its ability to meet Japan’s domestic manufacturing requirements. Last year, it built its “Kizuna” prototype drone exclusively with Japanese-made components.
Japan-Anduril Partnership
The reported discussions follow closer ties between Anduril and Japan’s defense establishment.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi met with Anduril founder Palmer Luckey during the opening of the company’s first office in Tokyo.
Koizumi noted the country had “much to learn from Anduril” and that closer cooperation could help strengthen the country’s defense industry.
During a recent parliamentary session, Koizumi also pointed to Anduril’s partnership with General Motors as an example of how defense technology companies can work with the automotive sector.
Even if it successfully acquires the Oppama plant, reports say the American tech firm would still need to secure contracts from Japan’s military to justify the investment.
