The U.S. and Japan are set to begin a feasibility study to co-produce the American AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile, known as AMRAAM. This follows an agreement made in late July at a “two-plus-two” meeting of foreign and defence ministers in Tokyo, where Japan and the United States agreed to explore “co-production opportunities” for both AMRAAMs and Patriot PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement. This decision, reported by Nikkei Asia, a prominent Asian business publication, stems from concerns over diminishing American stockpiles due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Readout information from the Japanese Defense Ministry and statements made to Nikkei Asia reveal a strategic collaboration between Japan and the United States in missile production. This initiative serves dual purposes: replenishing depleted U.S. stockpiles of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) and fostering deeper integration between the two nations’ defense industries.
The co-production agreement addresses immediate concerns stemming from the conflict in Ukraine, where President Biden has pledged hundreds of additional AMRAAMs. While Japanese-manufactured missiles won’t be sent directly to Ukraine, they will play a crucial role in restocking American reserves.
Beyond meeting short-term needs, this partnership aims to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance in the defense sector. By addressing production shortfalls and enhancing preparedness, both nations are positioning themselves to better respond to potential conflicts, particularly in Asia.
The decision to explore the feasibility of AMRAAM co-production was reached during a meeting in Hawaii led by William LaPlante, the U.S. undersecretary of defence for acquisition and sustainment, and Takeshi Ishikawa, commissioner of Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency.
The feasibility study for co-production has the goal of establishing a clear roadmap for co-production by the end of the year. The study will assess challenges, required lead times, and feasible production activities in Japan. While the details regarding the financial responsibility for expanding Mitsubishi Electric’s manufacturing lines to accommodate AMRAAM production remain unclear, discussions on this matter are expected to be part of the feasibility study.
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