WB GROUP has signed a framework agreement on technical and commercial cooperation with the Japanese corporation ShinMaywa Industries. The agreement was concluded during the visit of Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radosław Sikorski, and Deputy Minister of National Defence, Paweł Zalewski, to Japan. It covers cooperation in the development of manned and unmanned aerial platforms.
Polish-Japanese cooperation has a long history, and both countries have traditionally maintained friendly relations. It is therefore not surprising that an agreement on technical and commercial cooperation between leading Polish and Japanese entities in the field of manned and unmanned aerial platforms was signed at the Polish Embassy in Tokyo.
On behalf of WB GROUP, the framework agreement was signed by President Piotr Wojciechowski. ShinMaywa Industries was represented by Katsuo Tanaka, Managing Director and Head of Aviation Programs. The signing took place during the visit to Japan by Minister Radosław Sikorski and Secretary of State Paweł Zalewski.
– I am pleased with the opportunity to sign a cooperation agreement with the Japanese industry, which is interested in developing advanced defence solutions, in particular unmanned reconnaissance and strike systems and maritime observation capabilities, said President Piotr Wojciechowski.
During their remarks at the Polish Embassy in Tokyo, both Minister Radosław Sikorski and President Piotr Wojciechowski highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation between Poland and Japan – not only in technical and trade matters, but also in the broader areas of political and military collaboration.
The Japanese side, referring to the current geopolitical situation, expressed its satisfaction with the prospect of joint initiatives with Poland and the Polish industrial group. The experience gained by WB GROUP in developing military systems proven during a full-scale conflict and in responding to the challenges of the modern battlefield is seen as valuable for Japan’s industry and defence system.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Defence supported this historic step in initiating Polish-Japanese economic cooperation in the defence industry. Representatives of both ministries declared further assistance in helping entities from Poland and Japan achieve their objectives.
ShinMaywa Industries, a Japanese corporation employing 6,500 people and headquartered in Takarazuka on the island of Honshu, is a well-known engineering and manufacturing company specialising in aviation, industrial machinery and special vehicles, and environmental systems. The company is known for producing the advanced US-2 amphibious aircraft. ShinMaywa holds all relevant Japanese certifications permitting it to develop and export equipment and technologies.