The United States and Japan may soon initiate joint production of missiles for Patriot anti-missile systems. This potential collaboration was discussed during a series of talks in Tokyo involving defense complex representatives from both countries. These discussions led to an agreement to create working groups aimed at further enhancing cooperation in the defense sector, including weapon production and maintenance.
The co-production proposal, to be implemented in Japan, signifies a significant development in the bilateral defense relations between Tokyo and Washington. It involves not only the manufacture of missiles for existing Patriot systems but also the enhancement of infrastructure for the modernization of American ships and aircraft in Japan.
This commitment to collaboration was formalized during a summit in April 2024, where Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed to initiate negotiations to intensify bilateral defense cooperation. These discussions are now expected to occur regularly at various levels, significantly increasing mutual engagement to strengthen defense capabilities and industrial integration.
The MIM-104 Patriot is a leading surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by the United States and produced by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. Originally designed to counter high-altitude aerial threats such as aircraft and ballistic missiles, the system was first deployed in 1981 and has since been upgraded to address a broader range of threats, including cruise missiles and advanced aircraft.