The US and Japan have reached an agreement to establish a facility for the local assembly of AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, the primary weaponry used by F-35 fighters and other aircraft operated by allied forces. The arrangement was finalized during defense talks in the Philippines between US Secretary of War Hegseth and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjirō Koizumi, with Pacific Commander Paparo also in attendance.
The production deal is part of a broader strategy to increase the availability of munitions and expand military access to maintain what Hegseth described as a “credible denial defense.” The two nations aim to align their strategic investments and training schedules to support a vision of “peace through strength” and enhance joint deterrence capabilities in the region.
