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.’
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls]()
How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls
Ageing Baltic vessels and an absence of active minehunting vessel programmes in the region have been put under the spotlight in the recent conflict.
-
![“We must end the mentality of ever larger platforms”: Why USVs are scaling]()
“We must end the mentality of ever larger platforms”: Why USVs are scaling
Multiple USV programme milestones announced last week, aligned with a reinforcement of the Royal Navy’s vision for a hybrid fleet, point to innovation-led ambition but also to a structural calculation with resource ceilings that neither London nor Washington can ignore.
-
![As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging]()
As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging
Research programmes and system procurement efforts to counter uncrewed surface and underwater vehicle threats are accelerating as naval drone uptake spreads.
-
![US Coast Guard to receive the first three Offshore Patrol Cutters in FY2026 and FY2027]()
US Coast Guard to receive the first three Offshore Patrol Cutters in FY2026 and FY2027
After recording a nearly six-year delay in the OPC schedule, the USCG intends to advance with the programme, reaching multiple milestones in the short term.
