US Approves Potential Sale Of Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2B Tactical Missiles To Japan

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2B Tactical Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $360 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Japan has requested to buy up to two hundred twelve (212) Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Block 2B, RIM-116E. The following non-MDE items will also be included: RAM Guided Missiles Round Pack (GMRP); Tri-Pack shipping and storage containers; training equipment; operator manuals and technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support and assistance; support for establishment of an Intermediate Level Maintenance Facility (ILMF); and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $360 million. 

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of 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 providing significantly enhanced area defense capabilities over critical East Asian and Western Pacific air and sea lines of communication. It is vital to U.S. national interests that Japan develops and maintains a strong and ready self-defense capability. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these articles into its armed forces.

To read more, please visit the DSCA's website.