🇺🇸🇯🇵 The U.S. and Japan have agreed to establish a joint missile production facility in Japan as the two allies accelerate their military buildup in response to China's growing naval presence in the region. The new facility will assemble and inspect Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), which are used by F-35 fighter jets operated by both countries. The project, known as Operation Supercharge, was announced by Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi following talks with Pete Hegseth in the Philippines. The announcement comes as Japan reports increased Chinese naval activity near its southwestern islands. Koizumi revealed that three Chinese destroyers and a coast guard vessel crossed the Osumi Strait south of Kyushu this week, marking the first time Japan had observed that particular fleet formation. Japan has been strengthening its military presence in the southwest, where tensions with China remain high over disputed islands and regional security. The agreement marks another expansion of U.S.-Japanese military cooperation, bringing production of advanced American-designed missiles directly onto Japanese territory. Source: Associated Press / Writer: Mhedi