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Strategic Alliance Between US and Japan JASSM-ER Missiles to Counter China and North Korea.
On January 15, 2025, The United States approved the sale of additional air-to-surface missiles to Japan, enhancing the defense capabilities of its key ally in Asia amid growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. The transaction, valued at $39 million, includes 16 JASSM-ER (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile - Extended Range) missiles along with related equipment and services. Announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), this deal represents a further step in strengthening Japan's military capabilities while bolstering the strategic alliance between Washington and Tokyo.
The JASSM-ER's advanced GPS anti-jamming and infrared imaging systems deliver high precision, while its integration into Japan's forces is supported by training equipment, spare parts, and specialized software included in the deal (Picture source: US DoD)
These long-range precision missiles, designed to strike targets from beyond the enemy's effective range, are central to Japan's defense strategy. They will be integrated into the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF)'s fleet, including upgraded F-15J and F-35A/B aircraft. These platforms, equipped with advanced radar and electronic warfare systems, enable coordinated strikes and efficient responses to security challenges posed by China and North Korea in a geopolitically sensitive region.
The AGM-158 JASSM, developed by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Air Force and allied forces, is a long-range air-launched cruise missile designed for precision strikes on heavily defended strategic targets. It features stealth technology, advanced guidance systems, and is available in variants such as the JASSM-ER, with a range of 925 km, and the LRASM, tailored for anti-ship missions. Its propulsion system, a choice of turbojet or turbofan engines, supports its operational range, while its 432 kg WDU-42/B warhead ensures effectiveness against hardened targets.
The missile is compatible with various platforms, including the B-1B, F-15E, F-16, and F-35, offering operational flexibility. Since entering service in 2003, over 2,000 units have been produced, with deployments in strategic operations, such as strikes in Syria and against high-value terrorist targets. Development continues with the JASSM-XR, promising an extended range of 1,800 km to meet evolving operational needs.
This contract is part of Japan's broader efforts to modernize its defense capabilities. In 2024, Tokyo acquired 50 JASSM-ER missiles through a Foreign Military Sale approved in 2023. These initiatives align with the country's updated 2022 defense guidelines, which introduced counterstrike capabilities, reflecting a shift in its defense posture within the constraints of its pacifist Constitution.
The JASSM-ER's advanced GPS anti-jamming and infrared imaging systems deliver high precision, while its integration into Japan's forces is supported by training equipment, spare parts, and specialized software included in the deal. Discussions have also explored extending the missile’s use to non-traditional platforms like the Kawasaki C-2 transport aircraft, inspired by the U.S. Rapid Dragon program, further diversifying Japan's tactical options.
Simultaneously, Japan continues to invest in indigenous projects, including hypersonic weapons and improvements to Type-12 SSM systems. These developments aim to maintain technological competitiveness and deter potential threats. Recent demonstrations of these systems underscore Japan’s commitment to advancing its defense capabilities.
This sale also underscores the deepening U.S.-Japan defense partnership. In January 2025, the U.S. approved another significant sale to Japan, including 1,200 AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles for $3.64 billion. Such agreements highlight the strategic importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance amid regional instability driven by military developments in China and North Korea.
The defense ties between the United States and Japan have a long-standing history and remain vital in addressing contemporary geopolitical challenges. Since the signing of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security in 1951, the two nations have worked closely to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific region. This partnership saw further consolidation in April 2024 when U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced the creation of an aerial missile network in collaboration with Australia, marking a significant step in defense cooperation since the Cold War.
In parallel, Japan has revised its national security strategy to include counterstrike capabilities, addressing rising threats while balancing its pacifist Constitution. The alliance is further supported by the presence of approximately 54,000 U.S. military personnel stationed in Japan, making it a cornerstone of peace and security in East Asia.