US and Japan Finalize Deal for Japanese AMRAAM Production Facility
The United States and Japan have agreed to establish a facility in Japan for the joint production of AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). Announced by Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in Cebu, Philippines, the deal aims to secure supply chains for F-35 fighters and strengthen regional deterrence against China. The agreement follows a massive $20.7 billion Pentagon contract with RTX to expand US production and addresses Japan's historical restrictions on co-producing offensive weapons.