The US State Department has approved a major potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Japan of AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) and related equipment, the US Defense
Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 2 January 2025.
The proposed sale, which is worth an estimated USD 3.64 billion (EUR 3.53 billion), has been passed on to the US Congress for final approval.
Japan has requested to buy up to 1,200 AIM-120 (D-3/C-8) AMRAAMs; up to 20 AIM-120D-3 guidance sections, including precise positioning provided by either Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module or M-Code; and up to four AIM-120C-8 guidance sections. Non-major defense equipment (MDE) items also covered in the package include: AMRAAM propulsion sections, warheads, AIM-120 captive air training missiles, missile containers, and control section spares; Common Munitions Built-in Test Reprogramming Equipment; ADU-891 adaptor group test sets; technical documentation; and various aspects of engineering, technical, logistical and programme support
“The proposed sale will improve Japan’s capability to meet current and future threats by defending its homeland and US personnel stationed there,” the DSCA stated.
The Japan Air Self Defense Force already has earlier versions of the AIM-120 AMRAAM in its inventory.
The principal contractor for this FMS will be RTX Corporation out of its facilities in Tucson, Arizona.
