Japan requests SM-3 Block IB missiles
The US State Department has made a determination approving a potential foreign military sale of Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IB missiles to Japan, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on 9 April.
In a package worth $1.15 billion, Japan has requested up to 56 SM-3 Block IB missiles. Also included are missile canisters and related elements of logistics and programme support.
The SM-3 Block IB will provide Japan with increased ballistic missile defence capability.
If the sale goes ahead, the prime contractor for the SM-3 Block IB all-up rounds will be Raytheon Missile Systems and BAE Systems will be the prime contractor for the canisters.
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