Japan and U.S. Agree to Build $100 Million Missile Plant

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced late Wednesday that his government has reached an agreement with the United States to construct a facility in Japan for the joint production of advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles. The decision was made during a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the central province of Cebu, Philippines. The project, designated as Operation Supercharge, will produce weapons essential for F-35 fighter jets, which are operated by both the U.S. and Japanese militaries.

Koizumi stated that the missiles are critical for the F-35 platform but did not release specific details regarding the cost or timeline of the facility. The announcement occurred during an annual gathering of defense chiefs from Southeast Asian nations and their key Asian and Western partners. The meetings are designed to prevent regional conflict and enhance cooperation, though officials frequently address tensions on the sidelines.

During a brief bilateral session, Koizumi said he and Hegseth shared a sense of crisis regarding the regional situation. He noted that they agreed to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the alliance with greater speed and intensity than previous efforts. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open international order based on the rule of law. They rejected attempts to alter the status quo through force or coercion. Koizumi specified that their discussions were not directed at any single country.

Hegseth addressed the ASEAN defense ministers in a separate meeting on Wednesday. He described the U.S. approach as strong, quiet, and clear. He explained that the strategy is designed to deter coercion while avoiding public theatrics that could lead to needless escalation. He told the group that the United States will defend its interests and those of its allies. Hegseth assured the Philippine delegation that the administration will maintain strong deterrence against actions in the South China Sea.

The Philippines, led by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. at the meeting, is the oldest treaty ally of Washington in Asia. Beijing and Manila have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, a major trade route where confrontations between coast guard and navy vessels have increased. Japan and China also dispute control of small islands in the East China Sea. Washington has stated it is obligated to defend the Philippines if its forces are attacked in the disputed waters.

The next phase of the alliance's collaboration includes finalizing the technical specifications for the missile production line. Koizumi and Hegseth plan to review the progress of the Cebu meeting outcomes at their next scheduled bilateral engagement.