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The government of Japan will acquire up to 150 Standard Missile 6 Block I missiles in a possible US$900 million foreign military sale approved by the US State Department.
The US Congress was notified of the possible sale for SM-6 missiles and related equipment by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 31 January.
Under the possible deal, Japan will acquire the missiles and MK 21 Mod 3 vertical launch system canisters, component parts and support equipment, materiel and support required to produce the SM-6 Block I missiles, special test and handling equipment, training and training equipment and aids, technical publications and data, US government and contractor engineering and technical assistance, including related studies and analysis support.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region,” the DSCA said.
“The proposed sale will improve Japan’s capability to meet current and future threats by allowing the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to deploy the latest Standard Missile capabilities from their current and future AEGIS Weapon System equipped surface combatants.
“The proposed sale will further enhance Japan’s capability to protect Japan and local allied land forces and will significantly improve Japan’s contribution to integrated air missile defence in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
RTX Corporation will be the principal contractor and the implementation of the proposed sale is not expected to require the assignment of any additional US government or contractor representatives to Japan.
