U.S. and Japan agree to build new missile factory in Cebu

One new production line for advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles will be built in Japan as a joint effort between the United States and Tokyo. The agreement, labeled Operation Supercharge, was announced late Wednesday night during a defense summit in the central province of Cebu, Philippines.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed the deal in a news conference after meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Koizumi stated the new missiles are essential for the F-35 fighter jet fleet, which is operated by both the U.S. and Japanese militaries. He did not provide specific dollar figures or technical specifications for the facility.

The announcement occurred on the sidelines of an annual meeting of Southeast Asian defense chiefs. The event brings together military leaders from the region and Western allies to discuss conflict prevention and cooperation. Despite the collaborative focus, the two nations often exchange pointed remarks about regional security during these side meetings.

Koizumi described the regional situation as increasingly severe. He said he shared a sense of crisis with Hegseth and that they agreed to strengthen deterrence and response capabilities with greater speed and intensity. He noted the discussions were not aimed at any specific country but reaffirmed a commitment to a rule-based international order.

Hegseth addressed ASEAN defense ministers separately on Wednesday. He described the U.S. approach as strong, quiet, and clear. He said the strategy is designed to deter coercion while avoiding public theatrics that could lead to needless escalation. He assured partners that the United States would defend its interests and those of its allies.

The diplomatic push comes as tensions rise in the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Hegseth reiterated the administration’s commitment to deter aggression in the disputed waters. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, where confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels have escalated. Japan and China also dispute control of small islands in the East China Sea.

Washington has stated it is obligated to defend the Philippines if its forces face armed attack in the region. The new missile production agreement adds a manufacturing dimension to this security partnership, aiming to produce equipment for the F-35 fleet that both nations deploy.