Japan approved a $900m missile purchase to strengthen defence
Japan has requested the purchase of up to 150 SM-6 anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic missiles from the American government and has received approval for this acquisition. Let's examine what exactly the Land of the Rising Sun will receive.
The American Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced approval for a potential sale to Japan of 150 SM-6 missiles, complete with Mk 21 Mod 3 VLS vertical launchers and a logistical and training package, including spare parts, valued at up to $900 million.
The missiles are intended to enhance the capabilities of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). They will be deployed on existing ships with the AEGIS system and future destroyers from the 13DDX family. This is another instance of US arms approval following the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AGM-158B JASSM-ER missiles for Japan, which significantly boosts its capabilities in the event of a conflict with China.
SM-6 anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic missiles - the US Navy's economic shield
The SM-6 missiles, which are part of the Standard Missile (SM) system, were introduced into service in 2013. They were developed to counter difficult ballistic targets at a greater distance than the SM-2MR Block IIIA and SM-2MR Block IIIB missiles but at a lower cost than the SM-3 missiles.
The SM-6 missile costs around $4 million each and is constructed in two stages. After burning out, the booster detaches, and a second rocket engine with a different operating profile takes over propulsion. The missile aims to deliver a 64-kilogram fragmentation warhead as close to the target as possible.
A dual-mode radar seeker is employed for precise targeting. It can operate semi-actively by utilising radar waves generated by the ship's radar or actively, where the wave emitter is mounted on the missile itself.
Moreover, the radar seeker is complemented by an inertial and satellite navigation system. The seeker's active mode has a limited range and must be "guided" within several kilometres of the target. This is particularly important given that the SM-6 missile's range is approximately 500 kilometres, with a maximum interception altitude of up to 34 kilometres.
