WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (UKDJ) – The U.S. State Department has announced the approval of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Japan, which includes the purchase of up to 1,200 AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment, for an estimated cost of $3.64 billion.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this potential sale on January 2, 2025.

According to the announcement, “The Government of Japan has requested to buy up to one thousand two hundred (1,200) AIM-120 (D-3/C-8) Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM); up to twenty (20) AIM-120D-3 guidance sections, including precise positioning provided by either Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module or M-Code; and up to four (4) AIM-120C-8 guidance sections.”

Additionally, the sale includes “AMRAAM propulsion sections, warheads, AIM-120 Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM), missile containers, and control section spares; Common Munitions Built-in Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); ADU-891 Adaptor Group Test Sets; munitions support and support equipment; spare and repair parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support; classified software delivery and support; classified publications and technical documentation; transportation support; studies and surveys; warranties; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.”

This proposed sale is part of the broader goal to “improve the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region.” It is expected to enhance Japan’s ability to meet both current and future threats, especially in defending its homeland and U.S. personnel stationed in the country.

The U.S. State Department assures that “Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.” The principal contractor for this sale is “RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ,” and there are no offset agreements associated with this sale.

Implementation of the sale “will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Japan.” Furthermore, the U.S. has confirmed that “there will be no adverse impact on U.S. defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”

Photo from AMRAAM