Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy and NEC team on defense drones

Aerospace & Defense IndustriesPartners also to collaborate on AI command and control systemsJapan Self-Defense Forces drones fly during a live-fire drill with U.S. Marines in Japan. Drones are becoming a mainstay of combat worldwide. © ReutersTAITO KUROSESeptember 3, 2026 00:03 JSTTOKYO -- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and technology group NEC will collaborate on homegrown defense drone as well as command and control systems powered by artificial intelligence, the two Japanese companies said Wednesday.