Koizumi, Hegseth agree to build joint AMRAAM plant in Japan
The facility will produce missiles essential for F-35 fighters, a move both defense chiefs said is needed to strengthen regional deterrence.
By Alina Campbell ·
The United States and Japan have agreed to construct a facility in Japan for the joint production of advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced the deal Wednesday night in Cebu, Philippines, where he met with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The meeting took place on the sidelines of an annual gathering of Southeast Asian defense chiefs.
The two nations will build a final assembly and inspection plant for the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, known as AMRAAM. Koizumi stated that the missiles are essential for F-35 fighter jets, which are operated by both the U.S. and Japanese militaries. The joint production effort is part of a broader initiative called Operation Supercharge.
Koizumi explained that the alliance aims to strengthen deterrence and response capabilities with greater speed and intensity. He told reporters that he and Hegseth shared a sense of crisis regarding the regional security situation. The defense chief emphasized the importance of maintaining a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
Hegseth outlined the U.S. approach to regional security during a separate meeting with ASEAN defense ministers. He described the strategy as strong, quiet, and clear. The goal is to deter coercion and aggression while avoiding needless escalation or public theatrics. He assured partners that the United States will defend its interests and those of its allies.
Japanese officials are watching Chinese naval activity closely. Koizumi reported that three Chinese destroyers and a coast guard ship crossed the Osumi Strait south of Kyushu this week. He noted that this was the first time his ministry had spotted such a fleet configuration heading east to the Pacific Ocean. His ministry will continue to monitor these movements with high interest.
Japan has been accelerating military buildup in southwestern Japan to deter China. The annual defense meetings aim to avert major regional conflict and strengthen cooperation. While the U.S. and China often trade criticisms on the sidelines, the current focus remains on bolstering the Japan-U.S. alliance.
The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei have overlapping claims in the South China Sea. Washington has warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines if Filipino forces come under armed attack. Beijing and Tokyo also have a separate dispute over islands in the East China Sea, with both sides accusing the other of infringing on maritime territory.
