The United States and Japan are teaming up to make more missiles. They have reached a formal agreement to set up a new production facility inside Japan.

This deal is a big deal for two reasons. First, it will help them make more AMRAAM missiles. These are advanced weapons used by fighter jets to hit targets in the air. By building them in Japan, the two countries can get more of these missiles ready much faster than they could before.

Second, they are also working to increase how many SM-3 missiles they can make. These are used to shoot down incoming missiles, which helps keep the region safe.

Experts say this move is happening because of concerns about China. As tensions in the area grow, the US and Japan want to make sure they have enough defensive gear on hand.

Japan is also looking at holding more realistic military training exercises. This is all part of a larger plan to make sure both countries are ready to act quickly if something goes wrong in the Pacific.

By building these weapons locally in Japan, the two allies are trying to fix supply problems and stay ahead of any security challenges. It shows a deeper partnership between the two nations as they look to protect their interests.

Source: NPR