U.S. And Japan Agree To Build Joint AMRAAM Missile Plant In Japan
On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the United States and Japan agreed to open a final assembly and inspection plant in Japan to produce AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, officials said.[1]
The joint effort, dubbed Operation Supercharge, is meant to supply advanced medium-range AMRAAM missiles for F-35 fighter jets operated by both countries, U.S. and Japanese officials said.[1] The announcement was made in Cebu, Philippines, after a meeting between U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.[1]
Koizumi highlighted a new Chinese naval formation transiting the Osumi Strait this week as evidence of a more challenging regional security environment.[1] Hegseth told ASEAN defense ministers the U.S. regional posture would be "strong, quiet and clear" to deter coercion and aggression.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Japan and the U.S. agreed to establish a final assembly and inspection plant in Japan for AMRAAM air-to-air missiles.
- The joint missile production effort, dubbed Operation Supercharge, is intended to supply advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles for F-35 fighter jets operated by both countries.
- The agreement was announced in Cebu, Philippines, after a meeting between U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.
- Koizumi highlighted a new Chinese naval formation transiting the Osumi Strait this week as evidence of a challenging regional security environment.
- Hegseth told ASEAN defense ministers the U.S. regional posture would be "strong, quiet and clear" to deter coercion and aggression.
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