Japan and the United States have reached an agreement to establish a final assembly and inspection facility in Japan for the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). The initiative, announced on October 28, 2026, is intended to strengthen the defense industrial base of both countries, improve access to critical air-to-air munitions and expand missile production capacity amid growing demand from US and allied forces.
Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced the agreement following a meeting with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Cebu, Philippines. The project falls under Operation Supercharge, a bilateral initiative designed to accelerate cooperation between Washington and Tokyo in defense equipment production and technology.
Koizumi described the agreement as a significant step towards strengthening Japan's defense industrial capabilities while ensuring the reliable acquisition of equipment required by both countries. He specifically highlighted the importance of AMRAAM for the F-35 Lightning II fighter program.
The agreement represents the culmination of discussions that began in July 2024 and marks an important development in Japan's participation in the production of US-designed advanced missile systems.
Source: Defense Updates
