# US and Japan finalize plan to assemble AMRAAM in Japan, Breaking Defense reports Japan's defense minister outlined plans for missile assembly in Japan and technical information sharing to increase SM-3 Block IIA production, Breaking Defense reports. Published 2026-10-29 by TGOs. Canonical: https://tgos.io/news/2026/10/29/us-and-japan-finalize-plan-to-assemble-amraam-in/ Japan and the United States have finalized a plan to assemble the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) in Japan, Breaking Defense reported, citing Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.[1] Koizumi discussed the agreement at a Wednesday press conference.[1] The agreement covers a final assembly and inspection facility, according to the outlet's Google translation of remarks posted by Japan's Defense Ministry.[1] Koizumi did not identify the Japanese industry partner, the facility's opening timeline or its expected output.[1] **Also announced** The countries agreed to share technical information needed to increase production of the Standard Missile-3 Block IIA, a primarily ship-based ballistic missile interceptor, Breaking Defense reported, citing Koizumi.[1] The interceptor is a joint US-Japan program; he did not specify how much production might rise.[1] ## Why it matters Koizumi said the AMRAAM agreement would help supply equipment needed by both countries and strengthen Japan's defense industry base, Breaking Defense reported.[1] He described both agreements as part of Operation Supercharge, a joint effort on defense technology cooperation.[1] ## Sources 1. Breaking Defense: US, Japan reach agreements for AMRAAM assembly, SM-3 production boost: Japanese MoD