The US State Department has made a determination approving a potential foreign military sale of Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block 1B missiles and SM-3 Block 2A missiles to Japan, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on 19 November.
In a package worth $561 million, Japan has requested eight SM-3 Block 1B and 13 SM-3 Block 2A missiles. Also included are SM-3 1B and 2A missile canisters, engineering and logistical support services and other related elements of logistical and programme support.
If the sale goes ahead, the prime contractor for the SM-3 Block 1B and 2A all up rounds will be Raytheon Missile Systems. For the Mk-21 and Mk-29 canisters, BAE Systems will be the prime contractor.
RTX’s solution for DARPA’s Pulling Guard programme is intended to provide advanced maritime defence technologies to protect platforms against uncrewed surface vehicles and other threats.
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
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