Tokyo (Agencies): Japan and the United States are set to launch a feasibility study to assess the potential for co-producing AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM) in Japan, officials from Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) confirmed on December 26, 2024.
The move comes as both nations seek to address increasing demand for the missiles, essential for modern air defense capabilities. Talks on establishing a production line in Japan have been ongoing since mid-2024, driven by shared strategic interests and evolving security concerns in the region.
According to ATLA, the study will evaluate critical factors such as cost, production timelines, and logistical challenges associated with missile manufacturing. However, Japanese officials noted that the timeline for the study’s initiation remains undetermined as discussions with the US Department of Defense (DoD) and RTX Corporation, the AMRAAM manufacturer, continue.
The potential co-production effort was a key agenda item at the third Defense Industrial Cooperation, Acquisition, and Sustainment (DICAS) Forum held on December 11, reflecting deepening bilateral defense ties.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense emphasized that closer defense-industrial collaboration with the US is essential for enhancing supply chain resilience and ensuring regional security.