According to a statement from the relevant United States arms procurement authority “The State Department has decided to approve a potential military sale to the Government of Japan of AIM-120C-7/8 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles and related equipment at an estimated cost of 293 million dollars.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification by notifying the (US) Congress of this potential sale today.
The Government of Japan has requested the purchase of one hundred and fifty (150) AIM-120C-7/C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) and three (3) AIM-120 AMRAAM Guidance Units. Also included are AIM-120 missile storage and control sections, general weapon support and support equipment, spare parts and consumables, and accessories. Classified information and technical assistance.
US Government engineering, technical, and logistical support services and other related logistical and program support elements. The estimated total cost of the program is $293 million.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States, improving the security of an important ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Asia-Pacific region.
The proposed sale will improve Japan’s ability to counter current and future threats by defending Japanese sovereignty and US personnel stationed there.
Japan already has AMRAAMs in its inventory and will have no trouble integrating these missiles into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not change the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems […] There will be no adverse impact on US defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale” the statement concluded.
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