US and Japan agree to establish joint missile production facility

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 16:35 · Archive

The United States and Japan have agreed to establish a production facility in Japan to jointly manufacture advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles. Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced the agreement during a news conference Wednesday evening in Cebu, Philippines, following a bilateral meeting with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. The announcement represents the latest action by the allies, who have repeatedly expressed alarm over China's growing assertiveness in Asia.

The joint manufacturing effort, titled 'Operation Supercharge', will establish a final assembly and inspection plant in Japan for the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM. Koizumi emphasised that these missiles are essential for F-35 stealth fighters, which are operated by both the US and Japanese militaries.

Koizumi highlighted increased Chinese naval presence near southwestern Japan, noting that three Chinese destroyers alongside a coast guard vessel recently passed through the Osumi Strait south of Kyushu into the Pacific Ocean. He stated that it was the first time his ministry had recorded such a fleet configuration. Tokyo will maintain close surveillance of Chinese naval operations while continuing to accelerate its own military buildup in southwestern Japan.

How it is being reported

• United States and Japan forge missile production alliance to counter China's powerJapan’s defense minister said Tokyo will maintain close surveillance of Chinese naval operations while continuing to accelerate its own military buildupIndependent World · 29 Oct, 16:16
• US and Japan agree to establish a Japanese facility for joint missile productionThe announcement Wednesday is the latest action by the allies, who have repeatedly expressed alarm over China's growing assertiveness in Asia.NPR · 29 Oct, 15:58

In this story: United States · Japan · China · Shinjiro Koizumi · Pete Hegseth

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log