Japan and US strike deal on missile assembly as Tokyo expands long-range arsenal

AI Summary

Japan and the United States agreed to establish a final assembly facility in Japan for AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles as Tokyo expands its long-range arsenal. Japan is also exploring missile testing in India and Australia, reflecting a shift in its defense posture.

Tokyo has struck a deal to build an assembly line for advanced American air-to-air missiles, while simultaneously exploring missile testing in India and Australia, moves which further mark Japan’s shift away from its post-war pacifist defence posture. Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced late Wednesday that the two allies would construct a final assembly facility in Japan for the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). The facility’s location has not been...