US, Japan Finalize Deal for Japanese AMRAAM Production Facility Amid Regional Tensions
US and Japan agreed to build a facility in Japan for joint production of AMRAAM missiles, a move aimed at securing F-35 supply chains and strengthening regional deterrence. The agreement, announced at the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting in Cebu, follows a $20.7 billion Pentagon contract to expand US production. Officials also discussed boosting cybersecurity cooperation and expressed concerns over Chinese naval activity in the region.