The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Japan of AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and associated equipment.
The estimated value of the deal is $3.64 billion, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which has notified Congress of the proposed sale.
The Government of Japan has requested up to 1,200 AIM-120 (D-3/C-8) AMRAAMs, along with additional guidance sections, propulsion components, warheads, and related support equipment. The package includes captive air training missiles, munitions support, repair and return services, and logistical support, as well as classified software and technical documentation.
The proposed sale aligns with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the defense capabilities of a key ally in the Indo-Pacific region. “This proposed sale will improve Japan’s ability to defend its homeland and protect U.S. personnel stationed there,” the DSCA stated in its announcement.
Japan faces evolving regional threats, and the addition of advanced AMRAAM missiles is expected to bolster its air defense capabilities. The AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 represent the latest in air-to-air missile technology, featuring enhanced guidance systems, extended range, and improved lethality.
The DSCA emphasized that Japan would have “no difficulty” integrating these systems into its armed forces, and that the sale would not disrupt the military balance in the region.
The principal contractor for the deal is RTX Corporation, headquartered in Tucson, Arizona. The agreement does not include any offset arrangements, and no additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives will be required in Japan for implementation.
The DSCA clarified that the final dollar value could vary based on Japan’s specific requirements and budgetary considerations. However, the approval marks another step in the deepening defense collaboration between the two nations.
