US Approves AEGIS Combat System Sale to Japan

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan for DDG 7 and 8 AEGIS Combat System, Underwater Weapon System, Cooperative Engagement Capability and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.5 billion.

Under the proposed sale, Japan has requested a possible sale of two ship sets of the MK 7 AEGIS Weapon System, AN/SQQ-89A (v) 15J UWS and CEC. Additional items include associated equipment, training and support for its Japan Fiscal Year (JFY) 2015 and JFY2016 new construction destroyers (DDGs).

The addition of two new AEGIS DDGs to Japan’s fleet will afford more flexibility and capability to counter regional threats and continue to enhance stability in the region.

Japan currently operates AEGIS ships and is proficient at using evolving ballistic missile defense capability and effective at employing the AN/SQQ-89 UWS for undersea surveillance and detection.

The prime contractors will be Lockheed Martin.

Image: US Navy