On Tuesday, Japan announced that the United States has agreed to sell air-to-ground missiles and related equipment to Japan at a cost exceeding $100 million.
Japan’s Kyodo News Agency reported that the US Department of State stated, “The US government has approved a potential deal to sell air-to-ground missiles and related equipment to Japan at an estimated cost of $104 million.”
Earlier today, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the plan related to the long-range missiles, also known as JASSM-ER.
The agency mentioned that the Japanese government has requested the purchase of up to 50 missiles, adding that the proposed sale would help the US enhance the security of a “key ally that represents a force for political stability and economic progress in the Pacific and Indian Ocean region.”
The statement further indicated that the missiles would be installed on F-15 aircraft belonging to the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force as well as other fighter planes.
It emphasized that the plan would not alter the fundamental military balance in the region and would not have a negative impact on US defensive readiness.
In the face of significant security challenges posed by China and North Korea, the Japanese government updated its main defense policy documents late last year.
The country committed to acquiring what is termed “counterstrike capabilities” or “enemy base strike” capabilities—a major policy shift amid the ongoing crisis.
As part of these efforts, Japan has become more active in acquiring and developing long-range missiles, according to Kyodo.
