Japan, U.S. hold talks on FMS contract delays

Japan and the United States confirmed plans to streamline Foreign Military Sales (FMS) procurement during a bilateral security meeting held in Tokyo on January 28, 2026, as both sides move to address long-standing delivery delays affecting Japan’s Self-Defense Forces.

According to Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency, Director General Aoyagi held the 10th Security Cooperation Committee Meeting (SCCM) with the Director of the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency. During the meeting, the two officials discussed outstanding issues related to FMS procurement and agreed to promote more efficient acquisition procedures between the two countries.

“On January 28, Director General Aoyagi of the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency held the 10th Security Cooperation Committee Meeting with the Director of the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency and discussed various issues surrounding FMS procurement,” the agency said in a statement. “Both directors confirmed that they will promote the rationalization of FMS procurement between the two countries.”

The meeting comes after Japan’s national audit body disclosed major delays in U.S. weapons deliveries under the FMS program. In January 2026, Japan’s Board of Audit reported that 118 U.S. military equipment contracts, valued at approximately 1.1 trillion yen (over $7 billion), remain undelivered more than five years after being signed.

The audit report, submitted to Japan’s parliament following a formal request from the House of Councillors, reviewed FMS contracts signed since fiscal year 2018. It found that the delays were largely caused by U.S. manufacturers, forcing units of the Japan Self-Defense Forces to continue operating older equipment beyond planned timelines.

One of the most serious cases identified by the audit involved maintenance equipment for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft. According to the report, support equipment that was scheduled for delivery within the original contract period had still not arrived years later, directly affecting the Air Self-Defense Force’s ability to maintain its early warning fleet. The E-2D plays a central role in airspace surveillance and air defense coordination.

The Foreign Military Sales program is the primary mechanism through which Japan acquires major U.S. defense systems, including aircraft, missiles, sensors, and sustainment equipment. Under the system, the U.S. government acts as an intermediary between foreign governments and U.S. defense manufacturers, managing contracts and deliveries on behalf of partner nations.