The US State Department has approved the potential sale of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment to Japan, valued at $3.64B.
In a press statement dated January 2, 2025, the US Department of Defense (DOD) said that the Government of Japan has requested to purchase the following:
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
up to four (4) AIM-120C-8 guidance sections
The following non-Major Defense Equipment (MDE) items will be included:
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
other related elements of logistics and program support.
The principal contractor for the potential sale will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ.
According to the Department of Defense, the proposed sale will support foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the US by improving the security of Japan, a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The proposed sale will improve Japan’s capability to meet current and future threats by defending its homeland and US personnel stationed there. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces,” the Department declared.
As of December 2024, there are approximately 55,000 active-duty service members in Japan.
