Japan Gets U.S. Nod to Buy SM-6 Block I Missiles for $450M

The U.S. State Department has green-lighted the sale of Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) Block I missiles and related equipment to Japan for an estimated cost of $450 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Tokyo wants to buy 32 Raytheon-produced SM-6 Block I missiles in two tranches of 16. Also included are MK 21 Vertical Launch System (VLS) canisters; as well as related equipment and support.

SM-6 is the only weapon that can perform anti-air warfare, ballistic missile defense and anti-surface warfare missions.

The DSCA said that the proposed sale will improve Japan’s Air Defense and Ballistic Missile Defense capabilities against potential adversaries in the region. It will also provide the U.S.-Japan Security Alliance with the latest and most advanced capabilities, reducing Japan's reliance on U.S. Forces for the defense of Japan and further improving U.S.-Japan military interoperability.