Japan To Assemble AMRAAM Missiles As U.S. Moves To Dramatically Boost AIM-120 Production

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   U.S. and Japan Agree to Establish AMRAAM Missile Assembly Facility

   The United States and Japan agreed on October 28, 2026, to establish a final assembly and inspection facility for AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) in Japan. This joint effort, titled Operation Supercharge, aims to scale production to address dwindling global missile stockpiles and support F-35 fighter jets. Additionally, the two nations seek to accelerate production of the SM-3 Block IIA interceptor as part of a multibillion-dollar expansion of missile manufacturing. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated the agreement will strengthen Japan's defense industry base.

   Why it matters

   The move responds to China's military buildup and aggression in the South China Sea. Japan becomes the first country outside the U.S. to assemble AMRAAM missiles. This cooperation increases deterrence and ensures equipment availability for both allied militaries.

   What is confirmed

   • The U.S. and Japan agreed on October 28, 2026, to establish a final assembly and inspection facility for AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles in Japan.
   • The agreement includes plans to accelerate production of the SM-3 Block IIA interceptor.
   • The missiles are used by F-35 fighter jets operated by both U.S. and Japanese forces.
   • Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi described the deal as a groundbreaking agreement to strengthen Japan's defense industry.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The joint effort is designated as Operation Supercharge.
   • The AIM-120 is already planned for production localization in another country besides Japan.

   What to watch next

   • Announcement of the specific location for the assembly facility
   • Timeline for the first completed missiles from the Japanese facility
   • Updates on the production rate increases for SM-3 Block IIA interceptors
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. WSJ — As Missile Stockpiles Dwindle and China Looms, U.S. Turns to Japan for Production
   2. Air & Space Forces Magazine — US and Japan Finalize Agreement for AMRAAM Facility
   3. NPR — US and Japan agree to establish a Japanese facility for joint missile production
   4. Japan Today — U.S. and Japan agree to establish missile-production facility
   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.twz.com — Japan To Assemble AMRAAM Missiles As U.S. Moves To ...
   9. breakingdefense.com — US, Japan reach agreements for AMRAAM assembly, SM-3 ...
   10. www.stripes.com — Hegseth, Koizumi agree to produce air-to-air missiles in ...
   11. www.armyrecognition.com — U.S. and Japan Agree on AIM-120 AMRAAM Missile Assembly ...
   12. www.airdatanews.com — Japan to become first country outside US to assemble AMRAAM ...
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