# U.S. and Japan Expand Missile Production

In October 2026, the U.S. and Japan agreed to establish final assembly and inspection capacity for AMRAAM missiles in Japan and share technical information to increase SM-3 Block IIA production. The Japanese assembly partner, facility opening date, and expected output have not been announced. Separately, Raytheon received a five-year AMRAAM production contract in September 2026 valued at more than $20 billion, with two additional option years; production could nearly double, subject to U.S. funding.

- Japanese defense manufacturers and potential suppliers may find opportunities in AMRAAM assembly, inspection, and related supply chains, but the partner and implementation details remain undisclosed.
- The Raytheon contract signals substantial planned AMRAAM demand, while the production increase remains subject to U.S. funding.
- Companies supporting SM-3 Block IIA production may find opportunities as U.S.-Japan technical information sharing supports expanded output.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 29, 2026

### Government Entities
- Japan Ministry of Defense (JMoD)
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)

### Vendors
- Raytheon (AMRAAM manufacturer and awardee of the production contract)

### Key Quotes
> This is a groundbreaking agreement that will not only ensure the acquisition of equipment needed by both Japan and the United States, but will also strengthen Japan’s defense industry base.
> — Shinjiro Koizumi, Defense Minister of Japan

### Sources
- [US, Japan reach agreements for AMRAAM assembly, SM-3 production boost: Japanese MoD - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/10/us-japan-ink-agreements-for-amraam-production-sm-3-production-boost-japanese-mod) - Breaking Defense