President Donald Trump told American service members aboard the USS George Washington in Yokosuka, Japan, on Tuesday that the first batch of missiles for Japan’s F-35 fighter jets “will arrive this week.”
The announcement is a sign that U.S. defense deliveries to Tokyo are ahead of schedule.
The comments came during an hour-long address to sailors as part of the president’s ongoing Asia tour.
Trump’s Asia trip began in Malaysia and includes stops in Japan and South Korea.
“The first batch of missiles for Japan’s F-35s will arrive this week,” Trump said, according to pool reporters traveling with him, highlighting accelerated progress in U.S.-Japan defense cooperation.
The weapons shipments include AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9X advanced air-to-air missiles.
The missiles are key components of Japan’s modernization effort for its expanding fleet of F-35 Lightning II stealth aircraft.
Strengthening the U.S.–Japan Alliance
Trump appeared alongside Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female head of government, during his remarks.
The two leaders recently signed a new framework agreement on rare earth minerals, designed to strengthen supply chain independence from China.
Trump praised the longstanding partnership between Washington and Tokyo, calling it “one of the most remarkable relationships in the entire world.”
Takaichi echoed that sentiment, saying Japan was “committed to fundamentally reinforcing its defense capability” and “ready to contribute even more proactively to peace and stability in the region.”
The prime minister’s comments reflect Japan’s historic shift away from its postwar defense restrictions, including a growing emphasis on joint training and weapons co-development with the United States.
Economic Cooperation and Strategic Goals
Trump also pointed to the record-breaking performance of both U.S. and Japanese stock markets, saying the growth signaled a shared return to economic strength.
“We’re doing something right,” he said to applause from service members on deck.
The appearance underscored the administration’s effort to highlight both strategic and economic cooperation between the two nations.
The U.S. and Japan are now coordinating on multiple fronts, from defense production and semiconductor manufacturing to critical mineral supply chains and missile defense systems.
Broader Regional Context
Trump’s visit comes amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, particularly surrounding China’s military buildup and North Korea’s ongoing weapons testing.
Ahead of the trip, Trump reiterated his willingness to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, though no concrete plans for such a meeting have been announced.
The president is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week as part of continued diplomatic engagement focused on trade, regional stability, and deterrence in the South China Sea.
Trump’s remarks aboard the USS George Washington reflected a recurring theme of his second term, combining economic strength with military readiness as cornerstones of American leadership abroad.
READ MORE – Trump Shoots Down Rumors He’ll Run for Vice President in 2028
Our comment section is restricted to members of the Slay News community only.
To join, create a free account HERE.
If you are already a member, log in HERE.