U.S.-Japan Defense Pact to Localize AMRAAM Assembly and Expand SM-3 Production, Japanese MoD Announces

Washington, D.C. — The United States and Japan have finalized an agreement to establish a final assembly and inspection facility for the Advanced Medium-Range Air‑to‑Air Missile (AMRAAM) in Japan, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced. The arrangement addresses critical munitions shortages and strengthens both nations’ defense capabilities.

Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers’ Meeting in the Philippines, Koizumi described the deal as “groundbreaking.” He emphasized that the AMRAAM is essential for the F‑35 Joint Strike Fighter, operated by both Washington and Tokyo, and that the new facility will bolster Japan’s domestic defense industry.

The defense minister did not disclose which Japanese company will partner with Raytheon—a subsidiary of RTX—to conduct the assembly. He also did not provide a timeline for the facility’s opening or its projected production volume.

The AMRAAM, produced by Raytheon, is a cornerstone air‑defense weapon capable of being launched from aircraft and ground‑based systems. High demand driven by ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East has prompted U.S. military planners to prioritize increased production. A September contract awarded to Raytheon, valued at up to $20 billion over five years with possible two‑year extensions, is expected to nearly double output, contingent on congressional funding.

In addition to the AMRAAM initiative, the two countries agreed to share technical information to increase production of the Standard Missile‑3 Block IIA (SM‑3 Block IIA), a joint U.S.-Japanese ship‑based interceptor system used against ballistic missiles. Details on the specific production boost were not disclosed.

The agreements are part of “Operation Supercharge,” a broader U.S.-Japan effort to deepen defense technology cooperation. Both nations are enhancing their strategic ties as Japan significantly raises defense spending in response to regional security challenges.

During the press conference, Koizumi and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighted a shared sense of urgency regarding the regional security environment. They affirmed their commitment to accelerate deterrence and response capabilities within the Japan‑U.S. alliance.

When contacted, RTX directed inquiries to the U.S. Department of Defense, which did not provide a comment by press time. The AMRAAM and SM‑3 accords reflect the evolving partnership between the two allies as they prepare for an increasingly complex security landscape.

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