The U.S. Department of State has approved the potential sale of an annual production volume of medium-range air-to-air missiles AIM-120 D-3 and AIM-120 C-8 to Japan.

This was reported by the Office of Defense Cooperation and Security of the U.S. Department of Defense.

In total, the Japanese government has requested the purchase of 1200 AIM-120 AMRAAM medium-range missiles in D-3 and C-8 versions and auxiliary equipment, with a total value of $3.64 billion. These missiles are intended to equip the Japanese Air Force’s fighter jets.

In addition, Japan has requested the right to purchase 20 AIM-120D-3 missile guidance sections and 4 AIM-120C-8 guidance sections.

It is also planned to purchase AIM-120 Captive Air Training Missile, ADU-891 test kits, spare parts, and support and repair services.

The main contractor for the order will be the American RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies).

The terms of possible delivery of the missiles have not been disclosed, but such a large-scale purchase corresponds to the annual production of missiles of this type in the United States, which is 1200 missiles per year.

Production may be accelerated due to the fact that in 2024 Japan acquired a license to produce AMRAAM missiles.

The main manufacturer of AMRAAM missiles will be the Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which already has many years of experience in the development and production of aircraft weapons.

“I am proud of our work together to support Japan’s counter-strike capabilities,” stated Lloyd Austin, U.S. Secretary of Defense.

Mitsubishi will carry out full and independent production of the missiles, which will make it possible not to be dependent on American components.

The American missile will be manufactured alongside the Japanese Type 99B and its upgraded version, slated for procurement under the 2025 order.