The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Japan of Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2B naval surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and related equipment, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 18 October 2024.
The proposed sale, which is worth an estimated USD 360 million (EUR 332 million), has been passed to the US Congress for final approval
Japan has requested to buy up to 212 RIM-116E Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Block 2B SAMs. The following non-MDE items will also be included: RAM Guided Missiles Round Packs; Tri-Pack shipping and storage containers; training equipment; operator manuals and technical documentation; support for establishment of an Intermediate Level Maintenance Facility (ILMF); and various aspects of engineering, logistics, technical and programme support.
“The proposed sale will improve Japan’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing significantly enhanced area defense capabilities over critical East Asian and Western Pacific air and sea lines of communication,” the DSCA stated. “It is vital to US national interests that Japan develops and maintains a strong and ready self-defense capability.”
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force already has Rolling Airframe Missiles in its inventory.
The principal contractor for the sale will be RTX Corporation’s Raytheon business out of its facilities in Tucson, Arizona.
