The U.S. government announced Thursday its approval for the sale of advanced air-to-air missiles to Japan, marking a significant step in strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities. The sale, valued at approximately $3.64 billion, includes AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 medium-range air-to-air missiles, as well as related equipment. Japan has requested up to 1,200 missiles.
This transaction is part of a broader strategy to enhance Japan's defense posture, particularly in the face of rising security threats from China and other countries in the Indo-Pacific region. The U.S. government emphasized that the sale would bolster Japan’s deterrence capabilities and improve its ability to defend its homeland and U.S. personnel stationed in the country.
In a statement, the U.S. government noted that the sale “will improve Japan’s capability to meet current and future threats,” aligning with broader efforts to maintain political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region.
The U.S. State Department assured that Japan would seamlessly integrate the equipment into its armed forces, with no additional U.S. government or contractor representatives needed for the implementation of the sale. RTX Corporation, based in Tucson, Arizona, has been named the principal contractor for the transaction, which does not involve any offset agreements.
The sale also includes a range of supporting materials such as AMRAAM propulsion sections, warheads, missile containers, and various testing and support equipment. These enhancements aim to ensure that Japan is equipped with the necessary tools to maintain a strong defense posture in an increasingly complex global security environment.
This move reflects the U.S. commitment to reinforcing its alliances in the Indo-Pacific and maintaining a stable security environment in the region.
