WorldOct 19, 2026, 4:24 AM

Mitsubishi Heavy to Restart Shipbuilding Line for Defense Equipment from Fiscal 2027

Theo Kyodo News

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries plans to restart a shipbuilding line in Okayama Prefecture in fiscal 2027 to build defense vessels for Japan's Ministry of Defense, a source close to the matter said. The move is part of the company's effort to expand its defense equipment production capacity. No details on investment size, capacity or vessel types have been disclosed, and the company has not commented officially.

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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. is planning to restart a shipbuilding line in Okayama Prefecture, western Japan, in fiscal 2027, with the aim of building defense vessels for the Ministry of Defense, according to a source close to the matter who spoke on Monday.

According to the source, restarting the line is part of Mitsubishi Heavy's push to expand its production capacity for defense equipment. The Okayama facility is expected to take on the construction of defense vessels ordered by Japan's Ministry of Defense.

The plan comes as Japan gradually adjusts and expands its defense policy, including by strengthening its domestic defense industrial base. Mitsubishi Heavy is one of Japan's major industrial groups involved in the sector.

Details on the size of the investment, expected capacity and the specific types of vessels the Okayama line would build have not been disclosed. Mitsubishi Heavy has not issued an official comment on the plan.