Anduril in Talks to Acquire Nissan Oppama Plant for Drone Production

U.S. defense firm Anduril Industries is in talks to acquire Nissan Motor’s Oppama assembly plant near Tokyo to build military drones in Japan, Japan Times reported. Three sources familiar with the matter said no decision has been made on any acquisition.

The Oppama plant is located in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, about one hour by train south of Tokyo. It opened in 1961, spans 1.7 million square meters, and has produced about 18 million vehicles, including the birthplace of Nissan’s Leaf electric vehicle in 2010.

Nissan plans to close the facility in 2028 as part of a plan to cut production capacity by 1 million vehicles and has offered its 2,400 workers jobs elsewhere in Japan.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government seeks to expand defense manufacturing amid concern over a potential Taiwan Strait crisis. The government is expected to unveil a new national security strategy this year that could accelerate spending on drones, munitions and other military equipment.

” Nissan declined to comment on whether it is in talks with Anduril and stated that no decision had been made on future ownership of the Oppama plant.

Anduril will need to secure orders from Japan’s military to justify any purchase, the sources said. A Japanese defence ministry spokesperson declined to comment on any discussions involving Anduril and Nissan.