US approves $900 million missile sale to the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force
An artist’s impression of the Japanese ASEV destroyer. (Image: Japan MoD)
The sale would advance the JMSDF’s ability to protect its assets and maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
The US State Department has approved a US$900 million potential Foreign Military Sale to Japan for Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) Block I missiles and related equipment.
The Government of Japan requested the opportunity to buy up to 150 SM-6 Block I missiles and the State Department agreed the sale in principle.
Along with the missiles, the sale would include non-MDE items, including: MK 21 Mod 3 vertical launch system canisters, component parts and support equipment, and the continued engineering, integration and test (EI&T) material and support required to produce the SM-6 Block I missiles.
The sale would also include special
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![From Chokepoints to the Deep: ASELSAN’s Naval Vision at EURONAVAL]()
From Chokepoints to the Deep: ASELSAN’s Naval Vision at EURONAVAL
From deployable ship defence to autonomous sea and underwater vehicles, ASELSAN is preparing for a new era of naval security.
-
![Euronaval 2026: by the power of six, Fincantieri’s MMMV reflects modular naval shift]()
Euronaval 2026: by the power of six, Fincantieri’s MMMV reflects modular naval shift
The 50m, six-person ship from the Italian shipbuilder carries swappable, containerised payloads instead of a fixed mission, reflecting a shift that is becoming increasingly evident.
-
![Canada’s submarine availability under pressure as Chicoutimi is unlikely to return to front-line duties]()
Canada’s submarine availability under pressure as Chicoutimi is unlikely to return to front-line duties
HMCS Victoria and HMCS Windsor could return from their current deep maintenance, but unconfirmed operational timelines leave questions over patrol capacity before the first CPSP arrives.
-
![Poland’s naval modernisation plans point to $13 billion market]()
Poland’s naval modernisation plans point to $13 billion market
Poland is reshaping its naval capabilities through investments in surface and undersea fleets, with further procurement opportunities expected into the 2030s.
