Japan set to obtain RIM-116C after FMS clearance by State Department
Japan is poised to receive RIM-116C Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Block 2 tactical missiles and related equipment from Raytheon in an FMS deal worth about $55.31 million, after the US State Department approved the transaction on 28 September.
The Japanese government requested up to 51 RIM-116C naval surface-to-air missiles, plus Guided Missile Round Pack Tri-Pack shipping and storage containers; operator manuals and technical documentation; engineering, technical and logistics support; and other related elements of logistical and programme support.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, Japan has already received 100 units of the RIM-116 missile.
RAM Block 2 Tactical missiles ‘will provide significantly enhanced area defense capabilities over critical East Asian and Western Pacific air and sea-lines of communication’, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency noted on 28 September. ‘Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these missiles into its armed forces.’
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