Japan
Thales has been present in Japan since 1970 and is involved today in Aerospace & Space, Defence, Cyber & Digital, as well as the medical and science sectors. With 150 employees in Tokyo, Thales partners with key players like MHI, SkyDrive, NPB, JSAT and more to promote innovation and support diverse markets with a strong local team.
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Key Figures
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Did You Know?
- Thales supports the Japanese Self-Defence Forces with optronics, radars, sonars, vehicles and mortars.
- Thales’ digital identity solutions are used in Japan's public, financial, telecom, and tech sectors.
- Thales provides in-flight entertainment systems on board Japan Airlines.
- Thales Alenia Space will build one digital satellite (JSAT-31) and one conventional satellite (JSAT-32) for JSAT.
Solutions
Thales in Japan is positioned in defence, civil aviation, cyber & digital, space, and medical & science sectors.
Defence
Thales supports Japan's sovereignty in reinforcing defence capabilities with advanced technologies across land, sea, and air. Thales supplies Bushmasters to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, optronics for submarines, radars and sonars for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, ATC systems and avionics for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and radars and avionics for Japan Coast Guard patrol aircrafts.
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Civil Aviation
More than 100 Japan Airline planes are flying with AVANT Inflight Entertainment systems onboard. Thales also provides the TopDeck avionics suite for the Japan Coast Guard’s Sikorsky S-76D search-and-rescue helicopters. In 2023, SkyDrive selected Thales’ FlytRise flight control system for its three-seat, zero-emission eVTOL. A historic demo flight took place at Expo 2025 in Osaka.
Cyber & Digital
Thales helps protect sensitive data with cybersecurity solutions that support cloud migration and compliance. In Japan, it supports mobile operators with SIM/eSIM and OTA management and enables secure IoT and automotive connectivity. Thales also drives modern payments with its Digital First platform and eco/metal card designs. It offers biometric tech and document readers for government and civil use, already deployed at airports and hotels.
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Space
Thales contributes to Japan’s space sector with advanced on-board and ground systems. In 2024, SKY Perfect JSAT chose Thales Alenia Space to build JSAT-31, a software-defined satellite offering high-speed broadband across Asia-Pacific. In 2025, Thales was again selected for JSAT-32, set to enhance mobility coverage and replace ageing satellites over Japan and nearby seas. Thales would like to contribute to growing the Japan’s space ecosystem through offering moon and earth observation & space exploration, launchers, components.
Latest News for Japan
- Space
SKY Perfect JSAT Selects Thales Alenia Space to build “JSAT-32” Communications Satellite
- Space
SKY Perfect JSAT selects Thales Alenia Space to build a new cutting-edge software-defined satellite “JSAT-31”
- Civil Aviation
Thales and SkyDrive give wings to safe and sustainable air mobility
Media Relations
For further enquiries, please contact a member of the Thales media relations team (journalists only).
Local Partnerships
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Thales forges strategic partnerships to support Japan’s future, strengthening its local presence by working with leading Japanese industrial players. It collaborates with over 500 suppliers, from large enterprises to SMEs, across scientific, security, medical, space, and industrial sectors. In defence, Thales works in consortium with major players like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to serve both domestic and international markets.
Sustainability Commitments
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Thales in Japan supports a safer, greener, and more inclusive society in line with global ESG goals. The Group aims for net-zero CO₂ by 2040, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Thales helps vulnerable communities through donations and volunteering, and fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion with a focus on gender diversity and employee wellness. These efforts drive long-term growth and build a future we can all trust.
