The United States and Japan have agreed to establish a new facility in Japan for the joint production of advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced the agreement following a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Cebu, Philippines.
Expanding Joint Military Production
The joint production effort, designated as Operation Supercharge, will build a final assembly and inspection plant for Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) in Japan, as stated by Koizumi. These missiles are vital for F-35 fighter jets, which rank among the world’s most advanced aircraft and are utilized by the Japanese military.
During their meeting on the sidelines of regional defense gatherings, Koizumi noted that both officials shared a sense of crisis regarding the severe regional situation. The defense chiefs agreed to enhance the deterrence and response capabilities of the alliance with heightened speed and intensity.
Koizumi emphasized that both nations reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a free and open international order based on the rule of law. He added that this order rejects any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo through force, coercion, or other methods.
Regional Security Concerns and China
Koizumi expressed concern over intensifying Chinese naval activity in southwestern Japan, noting that three Chinese destroyers and a coast guard ship crossed the Osumi Strait south of Kyushu and headed east toward the Pacific Ocean. This marked the first time his ministry recorded such a fleet configuration, illustrating a challenging security environment.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed the Trump administration’s commitment to regional deterrence during a separate meeting with ASEAN defense ministers. Hegseth described the U.S. approach as strong, quiet, and clear, emphasizing that the nation will defend its interests and those of its allies and partners.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles also addressed regional tensions, telling The Associated Press that Australian forces and allies will continue working to defend the rules-based order and freedom of navigation despite growing assertiveness in maritime waters.
