US Approves Sale of $561M worth Ship-launched SM-3 Missiles to Japan

The US State Department has approved a possible sale to Japan of eight Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block 1B Missiles and 13 Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block 2A Missiles for an estimated cost of $561 million.

The missiles will provide Japan with an increased ballistic missile defense capability to assist in defending the Japanese homeland. Japan will be absorbing these additional munitions and support into the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF).

The Government of Japan has requested to buy eight (8) Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block 1B Missiles and thirteen (13) Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block 2A Missiles.  Also included are SM-3 1B and 2A missile canisters, US Government and contractor provided technical assistance, engineering and logistical support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated program cost is $561 million.

The principal contractor for the SM-3 Block 1B and 2A All Up Rounds will be Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona.  The prime contractor for the Mk-21 and Mk-29 canisters and PHS&T kits will be BAE Systems, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require annual trips to Japan involving US Government and contractor representatives for technical reviews, support, and oversight for approximately five years.