The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a possible foreign military sale (FMS) of Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) weapon systems to Japan for an estimated $561m.

Under the proposed deal, the Government of Japan has requested eight SM-3 Block IB missiles and 13 SM-3 Block IIA missiles.

Approved by the US State Department, the sale package also includes delivery of the Mk21 and Mk29 missile canisters for the SM-3 1B and 2A weapon systems.

Covered under the potential FMS are the provision of US Government and contractor technical assistance, and engineering and logistics support services. In addition, there are other related elements of logistical and programme support.

“The delivery of the new SM-3 missiles are intended to help Japan develop and sustain a strong and effective self-defence capability.”

Focused on supporting and advancing the foreign policy and national security of the US, the delivery of the new SM-3 missiles are intended to help Japan develop and sustain a strong and effective self-defence capability.



The possible sale is expected to provide the country with improved ballistic missile defence capability to assist in homeland defence, as well as US personnel stationed in the region.

Raytheon Missile Systems and BAE Systems will serve as the deal’s principal contractors.

Raytheon Missile Systems’s facility in Tucson, Arizona, will deliver the SM-3 Block 1B and 2A All Up Rounds. BAE Systems would provide the Mk21 and Mk29 canisters and PHS&T kits through its site in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In January, the Japanese Government requested the US for a potential FMS to purchase four SM-3 Block IIA missiles and four MK 29 missile canisters for an estimated $133.3m.