US mulls Aegis sale to Japan

The US state department has approved a potential foreign military sale to Japan for the DDG 7 and 8 AEGIS Combat System, Underwater Weapon System (UWS), and Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) for an estimated cost of $1.5 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced the possible sale on 7 August. 

The Japanese government has requested two ship sets of the MK 7 AEGIS Weapon System, AN/SQQ-89A (v) 15J UWS and CEC. Additional items include associated equipment, training and support. If approved, deliveries will take place over the next six to seven years. 

The ACS/UWS/CEC have been requested to support ship construction for a new ship class of DDGs based upon a modified, as-of-yet unnamed Atago-class hull and a new propulsion system. 

In addition to installation support material and special purpose test equipment, systems engineering, technical services, on-site vendor assistance, spare parts, systems training and staging services necessary to support ship construction and delivery are under consideration. Post-construction Combat System Qualification Testing is expected to be procured under a future Foreign Military Sale.

The equipment has been requested by Japan as part of its work to modernise its fleet to support Integrated Air and Missile Defense roles and special mission requirements. The addition of two  new AEGIS DDGs will fulfill Japan’s goal of acquiring eight ballistic missile defense capable ships and will further enhance interoperability with the US Navy.