The US and Japan have agreed to build a new missile production facility in Japan under an initiative called "Operation Payload". The facility will produce advanced air-to-air missiles used by F-35s, expanding the weapons production capability in the Indo-Pacific. The agreement was announced during defense talks in the Philippines, where Washington and its regional allies are strengthening military cooperation in response to rising tensions with China.

The US and Japan have agreed to build a new missile production facility in Japan under an initiative called "Operation Payload". The facility will produce advanced air-to-air missiles used by F-35s, expanding the weapons production capability in the Indo-Pacific. The agreement was announced during defense talks in the Philippines, where Washington and its regional allies are strengthening military cooperation in response to rising tensions with China.