As part of efforts to strengthen its defense industrial capabilities in an increasingly challenging regional environment, Japan is seeking to advance local production of AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles to equip the Air Self-Defense Force fighters. The initiative, agreed upon by the defense ministers of Japan and the United States, is part of a broader security cooperation package that includes the modernization of command structures and the reinforcement of military presence in the region.
For several years, the Japanese government has been promoting initiatives to enhance the country’s defensive capabilities, increasing its military budget to respond more autonomously to growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Within this framework, Japan has shown interest in acquiring AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), a procurement effort that has already been materialized through the U.S. government’s authorization of a potential sale. At the time, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) report published on January 2 indicated that Tokyo had requested the purchase of up to 1,200 air-to-air missiles.
In line with these efforts, following a recent bilateral meeting, Japan’s Minister of Defense, Gen Nakatani, and his U.S. counterpart, Pete Hegseth, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing military cooperation “with a sense of urgency.” Given China’s ongoing military modernization and North Korea’s development of strategic capabilities, both officials agreed to accelerate the start of AMRAAM missile co-production within Japanese territory.
Regarding this, Janes reported in late January that a spokesperson for Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) stated that the feasibility study will consider various aspects of production. This includes the necessary costs, preparation time, the scope of potential production activities, and the challenges that could arise when initiating manufacturing, according to the spokesperson.
Finally, Nakatani also expressed Japan’s interest to Hegseth in exploring the possibility of co-producing the Standard Missile-6, designed to intercept hypersonic weapons. In early February, the U.S. government authorized a potential sale of 150 new SM-6 Block I missiles for Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force AEGIS destroyers. Currently, the force’s surface fleet includes a total of eight destroyers equipped with the AEGIS combat management system.
You may also like: The new Joint Maritime Transport Group of the Japan Self-Defense Forces is officially established
