Riyadh: Japan and the United States: have agreed to enhance joint production of defense equipment, including missiles, and to expand their military presence in waters southwest of Japan’s main islands.

According to Qatar News Agency, the agreement followed a meeting in Washington between Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, during which both sides also pledged to strengthen cooperation in supply chains, including critical minerals.

The statement from Japan’s Ministry of Defense highlighted that the two countries will continue developing joint production of air-to-air and ground-to-air interceptor missiles, while expanding joint exercises at various locations, including the southwestern region.

Strengthening defense in this area, which includes Okinawa and hosts the majority of US military bases in Japan, is a key priority for Tokyo.