US Navy considers coproduction of unmanned systems with Japan (warontherocks.com)

• US shipyards cannot produce required vessels due to capacity constraints
• Japan offers advanced manufacturing and experience with US military systems
• Import dependencies and political barriers pose challenges
• Licensed drone production could accelerate fielding of unmanned systems

"The US Navy's shipbuilding plan faces domestic capacity constraints. Coproduction with allies, particularly Japan, is proposed to manufacture robotic and autonomous systems near the First Island Chain. Japan has advanced shipbuilding and robotics capabilities but faces import dependencies and domestic political resistance. Licensing existing designs could expedite production while building a distributed industrial network. Challenges include technology sharing, export controls, and congressional skepticism about offshoring. The AUKUS undersea drone agreement serves as a precedent."