January 8, 2025
The U.S. announced the approval of a potential sale of weapons to Japan last week. The revelation of the possible deal came just days before North Korea heightened geopolitical tensions in the region by firing a ballistic missile on Jan. 5. The launch caused no damage, and the rocket landed in the waters between South […]

The U.S. announced the approval of a potential sale of weapons to Japan last week. The revelation of the purchase came just days before North Korea heightened geopolitical tensions in the region by firing a ballistic missile on Jan. 5. The launch caused no damage, and the rocket landed in the waters between South Korea and Japan, according to reports.

The proposed deal is for RTX-made Advanced Medium-Range Air-To-Air Missiles and additional guidance instruments and mechanisms, according to a press release from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The proposed purchase is worth $3.64 billion and includes approximately 1,200 missiles, 20 AIM-120D-3 guidance sections, 4 AIM-120C-8 guidance sections, missile containers, munitions and support equipment, and other products related to the operations and maintenance of the weapons. 

“The proposed sale will improve Japan’s capability to meet current and future threats by defending its homeland and U.S. personnel stationed there,” noted the release. “Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”

The release also touted the possible weapons sales as a core part of U.S. geopolitical strategy in Asia. It stressed selling the missiles and guidance systems to Japan would help fortify its national defense which would help bring continued stability in the area.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region,” read the release. 

Incidentally, the timing of the sale, along with the expressed sentiment of it being an integral part of helping an ally, comes as the Biden administration blocked the sale of U.S. Steel to the Japanese corporation, Nippon Steel. The decision by the Biden administration to do so is believed to have caused tension in Japan-U.S. relations.

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Most notably, the official communication about the sale explicitly noted that the sale of these weapons was not expected to limit U.S. military preparedness.

“There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale,” read the release.

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