US approves AMRAAM weapons for Japan
Boeing and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are supporting Japan's F-15J upgrade. (Photo: Boeing)
Japan is investing in AMRAAM weapons to equip F-35, F-2, and F-15J fighter jets.
The US State Department has cleared Japan to buy AIM-120C-7/8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) in an deal estimated at $293 million.
Tokyo has requested to buy 150 of the weapons, three AMRAAM guidance sections, missile containers, control sections and other support equipment.
The weapon can be fitted on Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35, F-15J and F-2 fighter jets.
'The proposed sale will improve Japan’s capability to meet current and future threats by defending the Japanese homeland and U.S. personnel stationed there,' said a US State Department notice. 'Japan already has AMRAAMs in its inventory and will have no difficulty absorbing these missiles into its armed forces.'
Raytheon is listed as the principal contractor on the prospective deal.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Northrop Grumman to fly new Project Talon CCA by late 2026]()
Northrop Grumman to fly new Project Talon CCA by late 2026
The newly unveiled collaborative combat aircraft looks to strike a balance between capability and cost-effectiveness, according to the company.
-
![MBDA and Lockheed move closer to F-35A Meteor flight tests]()
MBDA and Lockheed move closer to F-35A Meteor flight tests
Following the completion of successful ground tests, one more exercise remains before flight testing can begin.
-
![Leonardo’s Proteus concludes ground tests with maiden flight on horizon]()
Leonardo’s Proteus concludes ground tests with maiden flight on horizon
The technology demonstrator forms part of a wider effort to help the Royal Navy explore the potential of uncrewed systems supporting its existing crewed aviation platforms.
-
![Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision]()
Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision
The MQ-7C uncrewed aircraft is currently undergoing further internal flight tests ahead of a government test event anticipated for next year.
