Japan to Purchase SM-6 Missiles From United States For $900 million

The U.S. Department of State has approved the possible sale of Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) anti-aircraft ship missiles to Japan.

The relevant information was published on the official website of the Office of Military Cooperation of the US Department of Defense.

Thus, in accordance with a request from the Ministry of Defense of Japan, the sale of 150 Block 1 missiles for a total of $900 million, as well as the relevant additional equipment, was approved.

This price also includes MK 21 Mod 3 transport and launch containers, in which the missiles will be delivered and which will be used from Mk 41 vertical launchers, as well as components and auxiliary equipment, equipment extension, integration and testing.

Additionally, Japan will receive special equipment for testing and transportation, training equipment and aids, technical publications and data.

Engineering and technical assistance from the US government and contractors will also be provided, including relevant research and analytical support, as well as other related logistics and software elements.

The missile procurement comes as Japan strengthens its missile defense capabilities and the surface component of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces.

The missiles will be used for both the existing missile destroyers in the fleet and the new ships under the ASEV project, which are to join the Japanese fleet in 2027-2028.

Earlier, Militarnyi reported that Australia had announced the purchase of SM-2 and SM-6 anti-aircraft missiles worth $4.68 billion.

The missiles will be gradually deployed on Hobart-class destroyers and, in the future, on Hunter-class frigates.

This comes after the recent successful test firing of the SM-6 from the destroyer HMAS Sydney.

It is also emphasized that Australia had become the first country other than the United States to fire that type of missile.