Japan’s potential acquisition of RTX business Raytheon’s Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles and related equipment has received approval from the U.S. Department of State.
In a statement released Thursday, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Tokyo’s possible $3.64 billion foreign military sale request covers the delivery of 1,200 AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM and up to 24 guidance sections. The deal, part of the federal government’s foreign policy goals and national security objectives, also covers the possible purchase of non-major defense items, including munitions support and support equipment, repair and return support, and classified software delivery and support.
Congress has been notified of the possible sale, DSCA said.
Raytheon’s AMRAAM missile uses inertial guidance and midcourse updates with its onboard active radar to seek its target and complete the mission, offering a reliable air-to-air capability even in challenging environments.
According to the agency, the potential acquisition “will improve Japan’s capability to meet current and future threats by defending its homeland and U.S. personnel stationed there.” However, it is not expected to alter the Indo-Pacific’s military balance.
Japan made a similar request in October when it notified the State Department of its plans to purchase 212 RIM-116E RAM Block 2B tactical missiles and related support services from RTX.