US approves additional $39 million JASSM-ER order for JASDF’s aircraft
Japan’s plan to upgrade its F-15J fighters was restarted in 2022. (Photo: Japanese Ministry of Defense)
The contract for these additional missiles to equip its F-15J, F-35A and F-35B fighter jets follows its earlier request for 50 missiles in March 2024.
The US State Department has approved the sale of joint-air-to-surface missiles (JASSM-ER) to Japan to equip the F-15J, F-35A and F-35B fleets of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
The Government of Japan has asked to buy up to 16 JASSM-ER. Other items included in the sale include training missiles and containers, munitions support, spare parts and engineering and logistics support. Lockheed Martin will be the principal contractor for this sale.
This contract is part of a wider bid by Japan to modernise its F-15 fighter fleets. The upgrade will allow the F-15 aircraft to fire weapons like the JASSM-ER and Japan first signed a letter of acceptance for 50 of the weapons on 18 March 2024.
Related Articles
US approves sale of JASSM-ER missiles to Japan
Japan and South Korea upgrade F-15 fighters to keep them relevant
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said that this sale would “improve Japan’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing stand-off capability via advanced, long-range strike systems for employment on Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) fighter aircraft, including but not limited to the F-15J and F-35A/B.”
On the JASSM-ERs, Japan had previously said that it needed the missiles to “strengthen standoff defense capabilities in order to intercept and eliminate invading against Japan at distance and at an early stage”.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Will drone motherships form part of tomorrow’s warfare?]()
Will drone motherships form part of tomorrow’s warfare?
While motherships offer multiple operational advantages, the changes in the character of warfare may bring new tactics to the battlefield, reducing their role.
-
![Tactical UAS: mission-driven innovation for a new battlefield era]()
Tactical UAS: mission-driven innovation for a new battlefield era
As global conflicts evolve and the limitations of traditional UAS become clear, Aeronautics is redefining the tactical unmanned aerial systems space with platforms that prioritize survivability, flexibility, and mission effectiveness.
-
![Australian Government looks inwards to drop Chinese-made DJI drones]()
Australian Government looks inwards to drop Chinese-made DJI drones
Over the next decade the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) says it will invest some A$600 million of approved funding into the development and introduction of a range of airborne, surface and subsurface uncrewed systems.
