As Missile Stockpiles Dwindle and China Looms, U.S. Turns to Japan for Production

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1. 1h ago

   U.S. and Japan Finalize Joint AMRAAM Missile Production Facility

   The United States and Japan have agreed to establish a final assembly and inspection facility in Japan for AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). Announced by Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Cebu, Philippines, the initiative is titled Operation Supercharge. This joint effort aims to scale up production and replenish dwindling global missile stockpiles. The agreement follows a $20.7B Raytheon contract to boost inventory, while the Japanese Ministry of Defense also noted agreements to increase SM-3 production.

   Why it matters

   Both nations operate fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, which rely on AMRAAM armaments. The production shift responds to China's military buildup and aggression in the South China Sea. Strained U.S. arsenals have created a need for allied defense manufacturing to maintain deterrence.

   What is confirmed

   • The U.S. and Japan agreed to establish a facility in Japan for the joint production of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles.
   • Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the agreement in Cebu, Philippines.
   • The joint production effort is designated as Operation Supercharge.
   • A $20.7B Raytheon contract was established to increase missile inventory.
   • The missiles are used by F-35 Lightning II fighter jets operated by both the U.S. and Japan.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A $2.35bn deal was signed after Washington insisted Japan increase defense spending.

   What to watch next

   • Timeline for the completion of the AMRAAM assembly facility
   • Official production quotas for the SM-3 missile boost
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. www.airandspaceforces.com — US and Japan Finalize Agreement for AMRAAM Facility
   2. WSJ — As Missile Stockpiles Dwindle and China Looms, U.S. Turns to Japan for Production
   3. Air & Space Forces Magazine — US and Japan Finalize Agreement for AMRAAM Facility
   4. NPR — US and Japan agree to establish a Japanese facility for joint missile production
   5. Breaking Defense — US, Japan reach agreements for AMRAAM assembly, SM-3 production boost: Japanese MoD
   6. TWZ — Japan To Assemble AMRAAM Missiles As U.S. Moves To Dramatically Boost AIM-120 Production
   7. The Japan Times — With China in mind, Japan eyes more realistic joint military exercises
   8. www.foreignaffairs.com — The Limits of China’s Self-Sufficiency
   9. www.stripes.com — Hegseth, Koizumi agree to produce air-to-air missiles in ...
   10. www.latimes.com — U.S. and Japan agree to establish a Japanese facility for ...
   11. www.wionews.com — Amid China's growing aggression in South China Sea, Japan-U.S ...
   12. www.nwaonline.com — US, Japan plan joint missile factory - The Northwest Arkansas ...
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