US approves SM-2 Block IIIB sale to Japan
The US State Department has made a determination approving a potential foreign military sale of Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) Block IIIB missiles, equipment, and support to Japan for an estimated $821 million, it was announced on 19 July.
Japan has requested 246 SM-2 Block IIIB vertical launching tactical all-up rounds, and Mk 13 Mod 0 vertical launching system canisters. It has also requested operator manuals and technical documentation, and US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services.
Japan currently operates four Kongo-class and two Atago-class destroyers equipped with the Aegis combat system and SM-2 Block IIIA/IIIB missiles; and is also building two more destroyers with the Aegis systems. The requested SM-2 Block IIIB missiles would be used on these two new destroyers and to supplement Japan's missile inventory.
The SM-2 Block IIIB missiles, together with the Aegis system, provide area defence capabilities to these Japanese destroyers over critical Western Pacific and East Asian air and sea-lines of communication. Japan already has two Intermediate-Level Maintenance Facilities that can maintain the SM-2 missiles.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper offers network-centric approach to sovereignty of space systems (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper offers network-centric approach to sovereignty of space systems (Studio)
Shephard's Alix Valenti interviewed Project Kuiper's Don Brown at DSEI 2025, discussing the company's innovative approach to sovereignty of space communications systems, which focuses on being able to control the network rather than ownership of satellite constellations.
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper teams up with GRC to offer governments unprecedented capabilities (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper teams up with GRC to offer governments unprecedented capabilities (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Amazon Project Kuiper's Don Brown and GRC's Steve Slater talked to Shephard's Alix Valenti about how their partnership can offer unique capabilities in defence SATCOM to government customers, with a focus on assurance, security and choice.
-
![DSEI 2025: Raytheon UK CEO highlights RTX skills, innovation and UK footprint]()
DSEI 2025: Raytheon UK CEO highlights RTX skills, innovation and UK footprint
At DSEI 2025, James Gray, Managing Director and CEO of Raytheon UK (part of RTX), outlines the company’s century-long presence in the UK and its evolving role across defence, aerospace, cyber, and training domains.
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
-
![US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities]()
US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities
This shift is planned to accelerate the procurement and fielding of capabilities. As part of this strategy, the US also intends modernise its regulations in an attempt to change its bureaucratic and risk-averse culture.
