Japan agrees to build US air-to-air missile assembly line at home

Japan has reached an agreement with the United States to construct a domestic assembly line for advanced American air-to-air missiles, according to a report by the South China Morning Post. The decision comes as Tokyo looks to broaden its long-range military capabilities and examine opportunities for missile testing in Australia and India, reflecting an ongoing departure from its historic pacifist defence doctrine.

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed the arrangement late Wednesday, stating that the two nations will build a final manufacturing plant in Japan to put together the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, commonly known as the AMRAAM. Authorities have not yet revealed the specific site where the production line will be located.

Koizumi shared details of the bilateral pact while attending a regional gathering of Southeast Asian defence leaders alongside counterparts from Asia and the West in the Philippines. He emphasized that the missiles produced through the initiative will serve as crucial ordnance for Japan’s fleet of American-manufactured F-35 stealth fighters.

The arrangement represents a notable step in deepening industrial defence cooperation between Washington and Tokyo. By setting up final assembly operations on home soil, Japan aims to secure a more resilient supply chain for key aerial weaponry while strengthening operational readiness for its modern fighter aircraft.

The project also coincides with broader regional defence adjustments by Tokyo. In addition to securing local manufacturing capabilities, Japanese officials have been pursuing plans for missile drills overseas, including training options in India alongside potential testing activities in Australia. These initiatives underline Tokyo's strategic efforts to reinforce its deterrent capabilities across the Indo-Pacific region through expanded partnerships.