The US government announced yesterday that it has approved the sale of JASSM-ER air-to-surface missiles and related equipment worth approximately $39 million. They will be provided to Japan, the Japanese news agency Kyodo reported, quoted by BTA.
The Defense and Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the plan to sell the missiles, known for their ability to hit targets from beyond the enemy's range.
In the context of growing security threats emanating from China and North Korea, Japan is taking steps to strengthen its defense capabilities.
In 2022 Japan has updated key defense documents to include counterstrike capabilities, a significant change from its previous policy based on a constitutional renunciation of war, Kyodo reported.
The Japanese government plans to purchase up to 16 of the JASSM-ER missiles. The Joint Cooperation Agency statement stressed that:
“The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by strengthening the security of an important ally that contributes to stability and economic development in the Indo-Pacific region.“
The new missiles will be integrated into F-15 fighter jets and other aircraft of the Japan Self-Defense Force.