US, Japan to build AMRAAM missile assembly plant in Japan
Why it matters: The facility would support F-35 operations and deepen allied defense capacity as both cite a worsening security climate in Asia.
The United States and Japan agreed to establish a plant in Japan to assemble and inspect Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, known as AMRAAMs, in a joint push to expand weapons production capacity. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi disclosed the plan after meeting U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of regional defense talks in Cebu, Philippines. Koizumi said the missiles are essential for F-35 fighter jets and are part of a joint effort dubbed Operation Supercharge. The move comes as Tokyo and Washington sharpen military coordination amid rising concern over regional security and China’s growing naval and maritime pressure in nearby waters.