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The US State Department has approved a possible US$100.2 million foreign military sale of Aegis Class destroyer support and related equipment to the government of Japan.
The US Congress was notified of the possible sale by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 16 December 2025.
The possible sale includes follow-on technical support of Aegis Class destroyers, including the following:
- Combat Systems Sea Qualification Trials.
- Sustainment support and services.
- Aegis computer software updates.
- Systems integration and testing.
- In-country and on-site engineering support.
- all necessary emergent engineering and technical support services.
- System upgrades, logistics and program 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,” according to the statement from the DSCA.
“The proposed sale will improve Japan’s capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Aegis fleet remains ready to provide critical capabilities in the defence of Japan.
“Specifically, the requested CSSQT services will provide JSMDF with capability support that is vital to the effective and safe operations of the Aegis Combat Systems suite.
“Japan continues to modernise its fleet to support integrated air and missile defence roles and special mission requirements.
“The JMSDF Aegis Fleet will fulfil Japan’s mission goal of acquiring and maintaining their Aegis capable ships and will further enhance interoperability with the US Navy, build upon a longstanding cooperative effort with the United States, and provide enhanced capability with a valued partner in a geographic region of critical importance to Japan and the US government.
“The Aegis destroyers in Japan’s fleet afford greater flexibility and capability to counter regional threats and to enhance stability in the region.
“Japan currently operates Aegis ships, is proficient at using their evolving ballistic missile defence capability, and is effective at employing the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15J undersea warfare combat system for undersea surveillance and detection. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these services into its armed forces.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional US government or contractor representatives to Japan. There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
The principal contractor is expected to be Lockheed Martin Corporation.
