Overview
- Following Pentagon talks, the allies pledged more “realistic” joint training across Japan’s southwest and the first island chain to reinforce deterrence.
- Tokyo and Washington agreed to expand co-production of missiles, including a significant increase in SM-3 Block IIA interceptors and progress on AMRAAM and PAC-3 MSE.
- The ministers advanced defense-industrial integration, including joint maintenance and repair for U.S. ships and aircraft and preparations for the next DICAS meeting.
- They also committed to strengthen supply-chain resilience, including cooperation on critical minerals, as Koizumi engaged U.S. drone manufacturers in Los Angeles.
- The transition of U.S. Forces Japan toward a joint warfighting headquarters is progressing with nominations to split the dual-hat command, though the final design and timeline remain unsettled.