US accelerates missile delivery to Japan's F-35 fleet amid Asia tour

US President Donald Trump has confirmed the accelerated delivery of advanced missiles to Japan for its fleet of F-35 fighter jets. The announcement was made during a visit to the USS George Washington aircraft carrier at the Yokosuka naval base in Japan, where Trump addressed American troops alongside Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi as part of his three-nation Asia tour.

A Message of Military Dominance

Speaking to service members, Trump underscored the superiority of US military capabilities. "From now on, if we're in a war, we're going to win the war. We're going to win it like nobody ever before," he stated. He praised the US Navy as unparalleled and emphasized that the nation's weapons, ammunition, and aircraft are the world's best, while also noting that technological edge means little without the skilled personnel to operate it.

Japan's Commitment to Regional Security

Following Trump's remarks, Prime Minister Takaichi pledged to elevate the US-Japan alliance to "even greater, greater heights." She described the aircraft carrier as a symbol of regional freedom and peace and vowed to proactively contribute to stability in the Asia-Pacific. Echoing the legacy of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, she committed to a "free and open Indo-Pacific" and reaffirmed her government's resolve to fundamentally reinforce Japan's defense capabilities.

Broader Defense Cooperation Context

This expedited arms transfer occurs as Tokyo moves to significantly increase its defense spending, targeting 2% of GDP ahead of previous schedules. The US-Japan mutual defense treaty remains a cornerstone of security in East Asia, with over 50,000 US troops stationed in Japan. The collaboration on advanced weaponry like the F-35 missiles signals a deepening integration of defense systems between the two allies amid a complex regional security environment.