Anduril in talks to use Nissan plant to build drones in Japan, sources say

• The Oppama plant, opened in 1961 and scheduled to close in 2028, has produced 18 million vehicles and employs 2,400 workers who would be offered retraining for defense equipment production
• The deal could raise concerns about foreign control of Japanese defense production, as U.S. equipment is typically built under license by domestic companies, and may test public support for converting civilian industry to military use
• Anduril has already built a prototype drone called 'Kizuna' using only Japanese components to meet domestic-content requirements, and has expanded into Taiwan and South Korea to capitalize on rising regional military spending

Summary: Anduril in Talks to Acquire Nissan Plant for Drone Manufacturing in Japan

Key Development: U.S. defense technology firm Anduril Industries is negotiating to acquire Nissan Motor's Oppama assembly plant near Tokyo to manufacture military drones, according to three sources familiar with the discussions. No final decision has been made.

Strategic Context: The potential deal aligns with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's push to expand domestic defense manufacturing amid heightened concerns over a potential Taiwan Strait crisis. China's territorial claims on Taiwan are driving increased regional military preparedness. Japan's government is expected to unveil a new national security strategy this year, accelerating spending on drones, munitions, and other military equipment.

Plant Details: The Oppama facility, opened in 1961, spans 1.7 million square meters and has produced approximately 18 million vehicles, including Nissan's Leaf electric vehicle. Nissan plans to close the plant in 2028 as part of capacity reduction efforts affecting 2,400 workers. The site's strategic location near Yokosuka naval base—home to Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force and a U.S. Navy carrier strike group—adds to its appeal.

Company Background: Anduril, founded in 2017 by Oculus Rift inventor Palmer Luckey, specializes in autonomous weapons systems. The company recently secured a U.S. Air Force contract to build the first fleet of autonomous fighter jets and has expanded into Taiwan and South Korea. In 2024, Anduril built a prototype drone called "Kizuna" using only Japanese components to demonstrate compliance with domestic-content requirements.

Conditions: Anduril would need Japanese military orders to justify the acquisition. Nissan is also in discussions with other potential buyers. The deal could face scrutiny regarding Japan's pacifist principles and foreign control of defense production.