U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Japan Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi agreed to produce air-to-air missiles in Japan for F-35 fighters. The plan is part of a multibillion-dollar missile-production expansion, and Washington and Tokyo also seek to accelerate production of the SM-3 Block IIA interceptor.
WHO:
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Japan Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi
WHAT:
Agreed to produce air-to-air missiles in Japan.
WHEN:
Reported Oct 29, 2026 at 5:59 PM ET
WHERE:
Japan
WHY:
The joint production is intended to boost weapons output and allied defense manufacturing and deterrence amid China's military buildup.
How this story developed (showing 5 of 5 earlier reports)
