Japan Moves to Establish Defense Hub at Former Steel Site
By Editor • August 28, 2026 • 1 min read
In a significant step towards bolstering national security, Japan's Defense Ministry has finalized an agreement to acquire the former Setouchi Works site from Nippon Steel in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture.
This site is set to transform into a multifunctional defense hub, featuring Self-Defense Forces offices, barracks, a heliport, and disaster response facilities, along with private-sector manufacturing spaces for defense equipment. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi highlighted the site's strategic importance, particularly given its proximity to a Maritime Self-Defense Force base.
Koizumi stated, "The signing of this contract marks a significant milestone" and noted that it would facilitate attracting private companies for defense-related initiatives. This acquisition aligns with the government's broader strategy to potentially revise laws for state ownership of defense production facilities, aiming to ensure a stable domestic supply of essential military equipment.
Source: www.japantimes.co.jp
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