Strengthening Alliances in the Indo-Pacific
On Thursday, the State Department authorized a potential foreign military sale worth $3.64 billion, involving RTX-made Advanced Medium-Range Air-To-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Japan. This deal includes up to 1,200 missiles and additional guidance sections.
Supporting U.S. Foreign Policy and National Security
According to a notice from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, „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.”
Enhancing Japan’s Defense Capabilities
The notice further elaborates, „The proposed sale will improve Japan’s capability to meet current and future threats by defending its homeland and U.S. personnel stationed there. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”
Negotiation Dynamics and Legislative Oversight
It is important to note that details in DSCA announcements are not final; quantities and dollar amounts frequently change during negotiations. Today’s announcement opens a 30-day window for lawmakers to potentially block the deal, though this is unlikely given the strong military partnership between the U.S. and Japan.
Tensions in U.S.-Japan Relations
This approval occurs amid a tense context in U.S.-Japan relations, as President Joe Biden has recently upheld his decision to block Japan’s Nippon Steel from acquiring a facility in Pittsburgh. Earlier this week, reports indicated that the Japanese company submitted a new proposal to the administration, aiming to protect American jobs to salvage the deal entangled in election-year politics, but these attempts seem to have fallen short.