Mitsubishi reorganizes defense, space area

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TOKYO, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan is integrating its defense- and space-related businesses to strengthen the industrial base of both areas.

The move, effective Jan. 1, unifies in-house defense and space-related businesses through an ad hoc business unit -- the Integrated Defense and Space Systems Planning Department -- under the direct supervision of the company's president.

MHI's defense-related business has operated in the past across three different divisions: Shipbuilding and Ocean Development, for vessels; Aerospace Systems, for fighters, helicopters and guided weapon systems; and General Machinery and Special Vehicles for tanks.

"The integration initiative is aimed at strengthening the industrial base of both fields and establishing a system enabling full support of joint operations of the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces by unifying management of all in-house defense and space related operations," MHI said.

"MHI took the decision to unify the management of these three defense-related businesses in order to efficiently support joint operations by the Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces, as well as to further enhance security and transparency."