Japan poised to gain from double FMS
The US State Department has approved two FMS deals for the Japanese navy. (Photo: USN)
The US State Department on 4 August announced it has approved two FMS deals for Japan worth a combined $195.5 million.
Pending final approval from Congress, the larger deal would see Lockheed Martin provide $134 million of wide-ranging follow-on technical support for Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyers armed with the Aegis missile defence system.
Services would include software patches ‘and adaptation data support' that is 'vital to the effective and safe operations of the Aegis Combat Systems (ACS) suite’, the State Department noted in justifying its approval.
It added: ‘The in-country engineering and emergent support will assist JMSDF to address any malfunctions or faults that may arise with the ACS suite.’
Shephard Defence Insight notes that the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force operates eight Aegis-equipped vessels: four Kongō-class destroyers, two Atago-class destroyers and two new Maya-class destroyers (the second of which was commissioned in March 2021).
Under the other FMS deal for Japan announced on 4 August, Raytheon Missiles & Defense would provide up to 44 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Block 2 RIM-116C missiles and related equipment, plus technical and logistics support, for an estimated $61.5 million.
The proposed deal would ‘significantly’ enhance JMSDF area defence capabilities over critical East Asian and Western Pacific air and sea lines of communication, the State Department noted.
The JMSDF already operates RAM Block 2.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Philippines down-selects South Korean option for OPV
The Philippine Navy has narrowed its OPV selection choice down to one company, but no contract has yet been signed.
-
MDL performs same-day launches of a destroyer and frigate
Mazagon Docks Limited enjoyed a big splash as it launched two large Indian Navy surface combatants on the same day.
-
HMS Bangor receives supplies from USV in RN first
As tested by the RN, USVs can allow ships to be resupplied without breaking off operations.
-
Fincantieri makes headway on Qatari LPD
The LPD for Qatar will be 143m long, 21.5m in the beam and capable of accommodating around 550 people.