US OKs Sale of RAM Tactical Missiles to Japan

Rolling Airframe Missile. Photo: Raytheon

The US has approved a $360-million sale of Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Block 2B Tactical Missiles and related equipment to Japan.

The East Asian country has requested up to 212 of RTX’s RAM Block 2B RIM-116E, which are ship-based surface-to-air missiles for protecting naval vessels from airborne threats like anti-ship cruise missiles.

The deal also includes the RAM Guided Missiles Round Pack, which allows quick reloading and efficient storage of the missiles, and tri-pack shipping and storage containers for storing the weapons while in transit and not in use.

In terms of logistics and program support, Tokyo will receive training equipment, operator manuals and technical documentation, US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support and assistance, and support for the establishment of an Intermediate Level Maintenance Facility.

This proposed sale will provide enhanced area defense capabilities for Japan, a key US ally in the Indo-Pacific region, amid escalating tensions with China.

“It is vital to US 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,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.

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