US and Japan Agree to Boost Production of 'AMRAAM' and 'SM-3' Missiles - Sarmad
A US-Japan agreement to establish a facility in Japan for assembling AMRAAM missiles and sharing information on SM-3 missiles
Translated by Qiyas from سرمد — Original source
The United States is turning to Japan, one of its closest allies in Asia, to boost missile production amid dwindling ammunition stocks resulting from heavy use in the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and growing concerns over Washington’s ability to protect its interests and allies in the face of China’s expanding military capabilities.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States and Japan agreed on Wednesday to establish a facility in Japan to assemble advanced AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missiles, which are a key weapon for F-35 fighter jets.
The two countries also agreed to exchange technical information to help increase production of SM-3 Block IIA interceptors, ship-launched missiles typically used to detect and destroy incoming ballistic missiles.
Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on the sidelines of a regional defense ministers’ meeting hosted by the Philippines that the agreement represents a pioneering step that will not only ensure that Japan and the United States obtain the equipment they need, but will also strengthen Japan’s defense industrial base.
He added, “We will work to elevate the Japan-U.S. alliance to higher levels.”
