Allies Fast-Track AMRAAM Production in New Japan Facility

The United States and Japan agreed Wednesday night to construct a facility in Japan for the joint production of advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi made the announcement during a news conference in Cebu, Philippines, where he met with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The two nations are working together under an initiative called Operation Supercharge. Koizumi stated that the missiles are essential equipment for F-35 fighter jets. The U.S. and Japan operate these aircraft, which are considered among the most advanced planes in the world. The new plant will handle final assembly and inspection of the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM.

Koizumi and Hegseth met on the sidelines of an annual gathering of Southeast Asian defense chiefs. Their major Asian and Western counterparts also attended the event. The meetings aim to prevent major regional conflicts and strengthen defense cooperation. The two leaders often trade criticisms during these sessions. Koizumi said he shared a sense of crisis regarding the increasingly severe regional situation with Hegseth. They agreed to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance. The leaders pledged to move with greater speed and intensity than in previous years.

Koizumi emphasized the need to protect the international order. He stated that the allies reaffirmed the importance of a free and open system based on the rule of law. This framework rejects attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo through force or coercion. The agreement comes as Japan accelerates its military buildup in the southwest. The goal is to deter further actions by China.

Koizumi expressed concern about Chinese naval activity in southwestern Japan on Thursday. He reported that three Chinese destroyers and a coast guard ship crossed the Osumi Strait this week. The vessels moved east from south of Kyushu into the Pacific Ocean. Koizumi said this was the first time his ministry had spotted such a fleet configuration. He cited the incident as an example of the challenging security environment in the region. His ministry will continue to monitor Chinese activity with high interest.

Hegseth addressed ASEAN defense ministers in a separate meeting on Wednesday. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. led the host delegation. Hegseth did not mention China by name during his remarks. He described the U.S. approach as strong, quiet, and clear. He said the strategy must be strong enough to deter coercion and aggression. It must also be quiet enough to avoid needless escalation or public theatrics. Hegseth said actions should speak for themselves.

The U.S. Secretary of Defense told the group that the message is clear for friends, partners, and adversaries. They understand precisely where the United States stands. Washington will defend its own interests and those of its allies. Hegseth has assured the Philippines that the Trump administration will build robust deterrence against China. This is in response to aggressive actions in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippines is the oldest treaty ally of Washington in Asia. Beijing claims virtually the entire busy waterway, a key global trade route.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles also spoke in Cebu on Wednesday. He said Australian forces and allies will continue to defend the rule of law. This is despite increasing assertiveness from China in the South China Sea. Australia protested last year after a Chinese J-16 fighter released flares near an Australian P-8 Poseidon jet. The Chinese plane passed within 30 meters of the surveillance aircraft. Marles told The Associated Press that the incident does not deter Australia. He said the country will assert the rules-based order in the Pacific. Freedom of navigation on the high seas is profoundly important for Australia.

Several nations have overlapping claims in the South China Sea. These include the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. Taiwan also has claims in the area. Confrontations have escalated between Chinese and Philippine vessels in disputed shoals. Washington has warned it is obligated to defend the Philippines if its forces come under armed attack. Beijing and Tokyo also have a separate dispute over tiny Japanese-controlled islands in the East China Sea. Both sides often accuse the other of infringing on maritime territory.