US and Japan Finalize AMRAAM Missile Production Facility

The United States and Japan have finalized an agreement to establish a missile assembly and inspection facility in Japan, strengthening their defense manufacturing cooperation as regional security concerns grow. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced the agreement on October 28, 2026, after meeting U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in Cebu, Philippines, during a gathering of regional defense officials.

The facility will support production of the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, commonly known as AMRAAM, which both countries use and which is compatible with the F-35 fighter jet. Officials have not announced the facility's location or provided a detailed implementation schedule.

The agreement follows a Pentagon contract valued at up to $20.7 billion to expand AMRAAM production over five years, with options for two additional years. According to Air & Space Forces Magazine, the agreement between Washington and Tokyo originated in July 2024 under the countries' previous defense leadership.

Koizumi described the facility as a step toward securing supplies for both countries and expanding Japan's domestic defense manufacturing capabilities.

"We finally reached an agreement on the establishment of a final assembly and inspection facility in Japan for the AMRAAM air-to-air missile, which is essential for the F-35. This is a groundbreaking agreement that will not only ensure the acquisition of equipment needed by both Japan and the United States, but will also strengthen Japan's defense industry base." Koizumi said, according to a translation of his remarks published by Air & Space Forces Magazine.

The Japanese defense chief also said the allies had discussed worsening regional security conditions and agreed to strengthen their deterrence and response capabilities. He emphasized their commitment to an international order based on the rule of law while avoiding naming a specific country as the target of their discussions.

The Pentagon's account of the meeting did not specifically mention the Japanese facility. Instead, it said Hegseth welcomed Japan's efforts to increase its defense industrial capacity and that both sides agreed to maintain close coordination on critical munitions production.

Japan's approval process took more than two years, partly because of constitutional restrictions and longstanding policy constraints on exporting lethal weapons and jointly producing offensive weaponry. The missile also incorporates classified guidance technology and intellectual property that require safeguards against unauthorized disclosure.

The production initiative comes as Washington seeks to increase weapons output and encourage allies to strengthen their own defense capabilities. The expanded manufacturing network is intended to diversify AMRAAM production and help build regional stockpiles for the United States and partner countries.

The Pentagon's multiyear contract with RTX, the missile's manufacturer, covers production lots 41 through 47, including AIM-120D-3 variants with upgraded processors and software-based electronic warfare countermeasures. The contract award was officially published by the Air Force on October 23, 2026, but did not specify the total number of missiles to be purchased.

A framework agreement reached in February called for annual production to rise to at least 1,900 missiles. RTX said it had invested in manufacturing capacity, supplier networks and testing equipment to support the increase, including $80 million in test equipment acquired before the contract award.

"We are accelerating output to record levels to deliver this critical capability for the U.S. services and more than 40 allied nations," an RTX spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine.

The company also identified supply-chain constraints and delays in solid rocket motor production as challenges affecting manufacturing. RTX said new U.S. rocket motor production lines were expected to come online in 2027 as part of efforts to increase output and reduce delivery interruptions.

AMRAAM has served as a central U.S. air-to-air weapon since the first missiles were delivered in 1988. The missile can be carried by legacy fighter aircraft and fifth-generation platforms, including the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, and supports engagements beyond visual range in varied weather conditions.

Separately, Hegseth reaffirmed the Trump administration's commitment to deterring aggression in the Indo-Pacific during meetings with Southeast Asian defense ministers in Cebu. The discussions took place amid continuing tensions in the South China Sea, where China and several regional governments maintain overlapping territorial claims, and a separate maritime dispute between China and Japan in the East China Sea.