U.S. and Japan to build $4.2B missile plant in Japan

The United States and Japan have agreed to construct a final assembly and inspection plant for the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM, within Japan. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced the deal on Wednesday night in Cebu, Philippines, where he met with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The facility, part of a joint initiative called Operation Supercharge, will produce missiles essential for the F-35 fighter jets used by both nations' militaries.

Koizumi stated that the two sides agreed to strengthen their deterrence and response capabilities with greater speed and intensity than in the past. He noted that the alliance reaffirmed the importance of a free and open international order based on the rule of law. The agreement comes as both countries express concern over regional security dynamics, particularly regarding China's naval activities.

In a separate session on Thursday, Koizumi addressed a specific incident involving Chinese vessels this week. He reported that three Chinese destroyers and a coast guard ship crossed the Osumi Strait south of Kyushu and headed east toward the Pacific Ocean. His ministry identified this as the first time they had observed that specific fleet configuration. Koizumi described the event as an example illustrating the challenging security environment in the region and said his ministry would monitor such activity closely.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also spoke to ASEAN defense ministers on Wednesday, led by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Hegseth did not name China but described the U.S. approach as strong, quiet, and clear. He said the strategy is designed to deter coercion while avoiding public theatrics. Hegseth assured the group that the United States would defend its interests and those of its allies, including the Philippines, which has a treaty alliance with Washington.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles joined the discussion, stating that Australia and its allies will continue to defend the rule of law in the Pacific. He referenced a previous incident where a Chinese fighter released flares near an Australian surveillance jet. Marles emphasized that freedom of navigation remains profoundly important for Australia.

The summit serves to strengthen defense cooperation among Southeast Asian nations and their partners. The U.S. and Japan have increased their military coordination in response to perceived threats in the region. The new missile plant will bolster the joint production capacity for the AMRAAM, a key component of the F-35 fleet.

The next phase of the project involves finalizing the site selection for the Japanese facility. Officials have not yet announced a specific timeline for construction or the total cost of the plant. Koizumi and Hegseth are expected to hold further bilateral discussions in the coming months to outline the technical and logistical details of the agreement.