Overview

• US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the implementation of a 'war-fighting headquarters' in Japan during his visit to Tokyo on March 30, 2025.
• The upgraded command will improve coordination between US Forces Japan and Japan's Self-Defense Forces, enhancing readiness and response capabilities.
• The US and Japan agreed to accelerate joint production of advanced missiles, including AMRAAM and SM-6, to address munitions shortages.
• Hegseth reaffirmed the US commitment to maintaining 'robust, ready, and credible deterrence' in the Indo-Pacific, particularly across the Taiwan Strait.
• Japan, described as an 'indispensable partner,' has doubled its defense budget and expanded its military capabilities to counter growing Chinese assertiveness.