US, Japan to Build Joint Missile Plant

The United States and Japan agreed Wednesday to construct a facility in Japan for the joint production of advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced the deal during a news conference in Cebu, Philippines, where he met with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The two nations will build a final assembly and inspection plant for the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM. Koizumi stated that these missiles are essential for the F-35 fighter jets used by both militaries.

The alliance has named the joint effort Operation Supercharge. Koizumi said he and Hegseth shared a sense of crisis regarding the regional security situation. The two leaders agreed to strengthen deterrence and response capabilities with greater speed and intensity. They also reaffirmed a commitment to a free and open international order based on the rule of law. This framework rejects attempts to alter the status quo through force or coercion.

Koizumi cited recent naval activity as evidence of the challenging security environment. He noted that three Chinese destroyers and a coast guard ship crossed the Osumi Strait south of Kyushu this week. This was the first time his ministry spotted such a fleet configuration heading east to the Pacific Ocean. Japan continues to accelerate its military buildup in southwestern Japan to deter China.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed a group of ASEAN defense ministers led by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Hegseth described the U.S. approach as strong, quiet, and clear. He said the strategy is strong enough to deter aggression but quiet enough to avoid needless escalation. Hegseth assured allies that the United States will defend its interests and those of its partners.

The annual meetings in Cebu aim to avert major regional conflict and strengthen defense cooperation. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles also attended the gathering. He said his country would continue to defend the rule of law despite increasing assertiveness in the region. Marles referenced a recent incident where a Chinese fighter passed within 30 meters of an Australian surveillance jet over disputed waters.

The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan have overlapping claims in the South China Sea. Confrontations have escalated between Chinese and Philippine vessels in disputed areas. Washington has warned it is obligated to defend the Philippines if Filipino forces come under armed attack. Japan and China also maintain a separate dispute over small islands in the East China Sea.