US to sell sea-skimming aerial targets to Japan
The SSATs should boost Japan's defensive capabilities. (Picture: Credit US Navy/commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons)).
The sale is intended to support Japan’s stabilising influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The US State Department has agreed a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan. The sale of subsonic sea-skimming aerial targets (SSATs) would include technical support and related equipment, and cost around US$113 million (estimated at the highest value of the contract).
The sale to Japan would break down into lots of up to two BQM-177A SSATs for Aegis system equipped vessels (ASEVs), as well as an as-yet unspecified number of GQM-163 target drones and the follow-on technical support necessary to operate the ASEVs.
That support would include combat systems sea qualification trials (CSSQT) and sustainment support services, Aegis computer software updates, combat systems integration, system integration, testing, overhauls and upgrades.
Related Articles
Kratos delivers first production BQM-177A Subsonic SSAT
Development, familiarisation, operational and maintenance support, as well as classified books and other publications (both technical and non-technical) would also be included in the estimated price, along with adaptation data, annual service agreements, test support, technical documentation, personnel training, and engineering, technical and logistical support from both the US Government and the relevant contractors.
The rationale behind agreeing the potential sale, the State Department said, was to improve the security of a major US ally in the Indo-Pacific region and thereby improve the stability of the region as a whole.
The principal contractor for the BQM-177A SSATs would be Kratos Defense, located in Sacramento, Califonia, and Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The principal contractor for the GQM-163A target drones would be Northrop Grumman, located in Chandler, Arizona, and the principal contractor for the Aegis Weapon System (AWS) would be Lockheed Martin Corporation, located in Moorestown, New Jersey.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays]()
South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays
Hyundai and Hanwha recently unveiled advanced frigate and submarine designs while South Korea eyes new export markets and resolves internal rivalries
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer
The sixth Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is currently at the final stages of construction within Irving Shipbuilding.
