The US State Department approved the sale of air–to-ground missiles to Japan for $104 million
The US State Department has approved a possible deal to sell Japan air–to-ground missiles with an increased range of destruction in the amount of about $104 million. This was announced on August 28 by the Pentagon's Security Cooperation Agency, which is responsible for the supply of military equipment and weapons abroad.
It is noted that Japan has requested from the United States up to 50 missiles of this type, as well as related equipment, transport and technical support.
According to the statement of the US military department, the deal will strengthen Japan's ability to withstand "current and future threats, providing it with the opportunity to engage in confrontation with the help of modern long-range strike systems on Japanese Air Force fighters," including the F-15J.
The Pentagon assured that the sale of these missiles to Japan would not disrupt the military balance in the region.
Also, the US administration has already notified Congress of this decision. Within 30 days, lawmakers must consider a potential deal and its possible blocking.
Earlier, on August 18, the US State Department approved a possible deal to sell Australia 22 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) HIMARS and related equipment worth about $ 975 million.