Japan to Acquire 1,200 AMRAAM Missiles in $3.64 Billion Deal

Japan is set to bolster its air defense capabilities significantly with a $3.64 billion purchase of 1,200 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) from the United States. The deal, approved by the US State Department, marks a crucial step in Tokyo's ongoing efforts to address evolving regional threats, particularly those posed by China's expanding military activities.

Details of the Purchase

The acquisition includes two advanced variants of the AMRAAM: the AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8. These are among the most sophisticated air-to-air missiles available, designed to engage and destroy aerial targets beyond visual range with remarkable precision.

In addition to the missiles, the deal encompasses:

• 20 AIM-120D-3 guidance sections with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) or M-Code-enabled positioning systems.
• 4 AIM-120C-8 guidance sections for enhanced targeting precision.
• Related equipment such as propulsion sections, warheads, missile containers, and AIM-120 captive air training missiles.
• Common munitions, built-in test reprogramming equipment, ADU-891 adaptor group test sets, and spare and repair parts.
• Logistics and support services to ensure operational readiness.

RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) will act as the primary contractor, overseeing the production and delivery of these advanced systems.

Specifications of AMRAAM

The AMRAAM family of missiles, particularly the AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 variants, is renowned for its advanced capabilities:

• Range: Both variants boast a range exceeding 160 kilometers (100 miles), making them highly effective for long-range engagements.
• Speed: The missiles are capable of traveling at speeds of Mach 4, ensuring rapid response to threats.
• Guidance System: They use active radar homing, enabling precise tracking and engagement of targets even in challenging environments.
• Multi-Target Capability: The system can engage multiple targets simultaneously, enhancing its utility in high-stakes combat scenarios.
• Compact Design: With a length of approximately 3.7 meters and a weight of about 152 kilograms, the AMRAAM can be deployed on a wide variety of aircraft, including Japan's F-35 and F-15 fleets.

Strategic Context

This purchase aligns with Japan's broader defense strategy, which aims to counter increasing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Late last month, Japan unveiled an 8.7-trillion-yen ($55.1 billion) defense budget for the upcoming fiscal year, reflecting a significant commitment to strengthening its military capabilities.

The AMRAAM deal complements other recent defense initiatives, including the acquisition of six V-BAT drones for enhanced surveillance and intelligence-gathering. These steps underscore Japan's focus on building a robust multi-layered defense system to address emerging threats, including missile strikes and aerial incursions.

A Regional Power Shift

As tensions in the Indo-Pacific continue to rise, Japan's procurement of cutting-edge defense systems like the AMRAAM reflects its determination to maintain regional stability. With the US acting as a key defense partner, this deal not only enhances Japan's military capabilities but also reinforces the strategic partnership between the two nations.

This acquisition is a clear signal that Japan is adapting to a rapidly changing security environment, ensuring that its forces remain equipped to handle future challenges effectively.