US-Japan Agreement on AMRAAM Missile Production

On October 28, 2026, in Cebu, Philippines, the United States and Japan agreed to establish a final assembly and testing facility for AMRAAM missiles in Japan.

Key Facts

Bilateral Meeting: This agreement was reached during the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting between Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Operation Supercharge: This initiative aims to strengthen joint production of defence equipment, technology cooperation, and military supply capabilities between the US and Japan.
AMRAAM Missile: A facility for final assembly and technical testing of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles will be set up in Japan. These missiles are utilized in F-35 fighter aircraft.
SM-3 Missile Cooperation: Both nations also agreed to share the technical expertise necessary to expand the production of SM-3 Block IIA missiles.
Strategic Objective: Both countries emphasized strengthening joint deterrence capabilities and military response capabilities amid growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Joint Military Exercise: Additionally, the meeting reviewed the progress of the Keen Sword 27 military exercise held in Japan.