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US and Japan Make Progress on AIM-120 Missile Production to Meet Ukraine's Needs.
The war in Ukraine, marked by intensive air-to-air missile usage, has increased pressure on U.S. munitions stockpiles, prompting Washington to explore alternatives to maintain its deterrent capability. In response, the U.S. and Japan agreed to initiate a feasibility study in the coming days to accelerate the co-production of AIM-120 air-to-air missiles, known as AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile). These discussions followed an October 7, 2024, meeting in Hawaii, where the two nations formalized their commitment to enhancing defense cooperation, especially in the context of sustained Western military support for Ukraine.
An AIM-120A advanced medium-range air-to-air missile is secured aboard an AV-8B Harrier with Marine Attack Squadron 223 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Aug. 7, 2014 (Picture source: US DoD)
The AIM-120 AMRAAM represents a sophisticated advancement over the AIM-7 Sparrow series, providing improved capabilities for aerial combat under all weather conditions, day or night. Faster, more compact, and lighter than its predecessor, AMRAAM is designed to intercept low-altitude targets with its integrated active radar, inertial reference system, and micro-computer, making it less dependent on the aircraft's fire-control system. Its active radar enables autonomous guidance to the target, allowing the pilot to launch multiple missiles simultaneously at various objectives while performing evasive maneuvers.
AMRAAM is deployed on several U.S. military aircraft, including the Air Force’s F-15, F-16, F-22, and F-35A, as well as the Navy and Marine Corps’ F/A-18, F-35B/C, EA-18G, and AV-8B. Its inertial guidance system allows it to home in on long-range targets, receiving course updates via data link from the launch aircraft. As it nears the target, the missile uses its monopulse radar for autonomous guidance, with a "home-on-jam" mode for countering electronic jamming. Upon target proximity, a proximity fuse activates the warhead to neutralize the threat, underscoring AMRAAM's value in maintaining air superiority.
AMRAAM’s advanced radar guidance and medium range make it a key asset for air forces. Demand has surged, driven by Ukraine's need to defend its airspace from Russian strikes, leading to urgent replenishment requirements for U.S. arsenals. AIM-120 production is currently centralized in the U.S., managed by the Air Force and defense industry partners, yet co-production with Japan could diversify supply chains and enhance strategic availability.
An F-35C Lightning II from Naval Air Station China Lake's Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9) conducts the first live-fire test of an AIM-120 missile from an operational Joint Strike Fighter. (Picture source: US DoD)
Japan, which has escalated its national security and military modernization efforts, views this collaboration as strategically advantageous. This bilateral cooperation would strengthen U.S. aerial defense capabilities while enhancing Japan’s military posture amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Although Japan already possesses advanced air defense capabilities, co-production could be a significant step toward improved interoperability and integration of defense systems between the two nations, providing a timely response to global stock requirements.
According to industry sources, AMRAAM production in Japan will be managed by Mitsubishi Electric under a license from Lockheed Martin, the leading air-to-air missile manufacturer, with Mitsubishi expected to expand its manufacturing lines to accommodate AMRAAM production. The feasibility study will also explore funding-related aspects.
This project is part of broader efforts to expand technological and military cooperation between Tokyo and Washington, especially in high-tech munitions sectors. This development reinforces the co-production agreement signed between the two countries on July 29, 2024, which also included the co-production of Patriot PAC-3 missiles, for which Japan already has production capabilities.
Co-production not only addresses logistical obstacles but also further integrates Japanese supply chains into high-grade munitions production. This initiative simultaneously strengthens relations between the two countries' defense industries, which have grown closer amid evolving global geopolitical dynamics.
In the coming months, the feasibility study will provide insights into the technical, financial, and regulatory challenges associated with the co-production project. This process is part of broader security collaboration initiatives between the U.S. and Japan in response to concerns over China’s regional influence. More broadly, Washington aims to strengthen alliances in the Indo-Pacific, particularly with Australia, India, South Korea, and the Philippines.