US and Japan Set to Jointly Produce Advanced Missiles in Japan
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has announced plans for a new facility in Japan to produce advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, crucial for F-35 fighter jets, alongside the United States.
The United States and Japan have agreed to establish a new facility in Japan dedicated to the joint production of advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, marking a significant step forward in their military cooperation 123. This development was announced by Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who highlighted the strategic importance of these missiles for the F-35 fighter jets 23.
Koizumi and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the need to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance during their discussions 3. They also underscored the shared commitment to maintaining a free and open international order based on the rule of law, though they clarified that their talks were not specifically targeted at any one nation 3.
Hegseth described the U.S. approach as 'strong, quiet and clear', indicating a focus on deterring aggression and defending interests, particularly in light of China's actions in the South China Sea 3. The U.S. is committed to bolstering robust deterrence against China's activities in this region, which sees overlapping territorial claims from several nations including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan 3.
The operation for this joint production effort has been named 'Operation Supercharge', reflecting the high stakes and ambition of this collaborative venture 3. This move not only enhances the military capabilities of both nations but also addresses longstanding territorial disputes, such as those between China and Japan in the East China Sea 3.
What we know
- - The U.S. and Japan have agreed to create a facility in Japan for joint missile production 123
- - Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced this development 23
- - The facility will produce advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles essential for F-35 fighter jets 23
- - Koizumi and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth agreed to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance's deterrence and response capabilities 3
- - Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of a free and open international order based on the rule of law 3
- - The discussions were not directed at any specific country, according to Koizumi 3
- - The U.S. is committed to building robust deterrence against China's actions in the South China Sea 3
- - The operation for joint production is called 'Operation Supercharge' 3
- - There are overlapping claims in the South China Sea by several countries including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan 3
- - China and Japan have a dispute over islands in the East China Sea 3
Verification report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 71%, weighted across 13 claims from 3 independent outlets.
- confirmed The United States and Japan have agreed to create a facility in Japan for joint missile production. (86%)
- likely Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced this development. (71%)
- likely The facility will produce advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles. (71%)
- likely The missiles to be produced are essential for the F-35 fighter jets. (71%)
- likely Koizumi and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth agreed to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance. (71%)
- likely Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of a free and open international order based on the rule of law. (71%)
- likely The discussions were not directed at any specific country, according to Koizumi. (71%)
- likely Hegseth described the U.S. approach as 'strong, quiet and clear' in terms of deterring aggression and defending interests. (71%)
- likely The U.S. is committed to building robust deterrence against China's actions in the South China Sea. (71%)
- unverified This agreement was announced on a Wednesday. (51%)
- likely The operation for joint production is called 'Operation Supercharge'. (71%)
- likely There are overlapping claims in the South China Sea by several countries including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. (71%)
- likely China and Japan have a dispute over islands in the East China Sea. (71%)
Sources
- NPR — US and Japan agree to establish a Japanese facility for joint missile production
https://www.npr.org/2026/10/29/g-s1-150666/us-and-japan-agree-to-establish-a-japanese-facility-for-joint-missile-production - WKBN.com (Ohio) — US and Japan agree to establish a Japanese facility for joint missile production
https://www.wkbn.com/news/national-world/ap-us-and-japan-long-alarmed-by-chinas-aggression-agree-to-establish-missile-production-facility/ - ABC News — US and Japan agree to establish missile-production facility
https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/us-japan-long-alarmed-chinas-aggression-agree-establish-137659559