FMS: Japan First SM-3 Foreign Customer?

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the US Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Japan of SM-3 Block 1A Standard missiles as well as associated equipment and services.

The government of Japan has requested the sale of 9 SM-3 Block 1A missiles with MK 21 Mod 2 canisters, Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) upgrades for one AEGIS weapon system, vertical launch system ORDALT upgrade kits, containers, spare and repair parts, supply support, etc. The total value of this potential FMS with all options exercised could be as high as $725 million.

Japan will use the Standard missiles and the remaining articles to replace or update older and less reliable missiles in the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) inventory.

The acquisition of long range SM-3 missiles represents a huge leap for Japanese Navy anti-ballistic capability. China and specially North Korea pose a major concern due to their impressive ballistic missiles inventories as well as their newest developments featuring longer range and advanced capabilities.

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