The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Japan for munitions and related equipment for an estimated cost of US $82 million (approx. A $126.8 million). The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has delivered the required certification notifying Congress.
Japan has requested to buy up to 28 GBU-53 Small Diameter Bombs-Increment II (SDB-II) all-up-rounds (AURs) that will be added to a previously implemented case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold.
The original FMSs case was valued at US $81.04 million (approx. A $125.3 million), with US $14.81 million (approx. A $22.9 million) in major defense equipment (MDE).
This notification is for a combined total of up to 120 GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs-Increment I (SDB-I); 28 GBU53 SDB-IIs (AURs); 30 KMU-556 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) tail kits for GBU-31; 20 KMU-559 JDAM tail kits for GBU-32; 24 KMU-572 JDAM tail kits for GBU-38; 24 MK-82 500 lb general purpose (GP) bombs; 30 MK-84 2,000 lb (approx. 907kg) GP bombs; and 21 BLU-110 1,000 lb (approx. 454kg) GP bombs.
The following non-MDE will also be included: FMU-139 joint programmable fuzes; DSU-38 laser sensors; practice bombs and bomb components; weapons and weapon support equipment; major modifications and maintenance support; training aids, devices, and spare parts; spare and repair parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support; classified software delivery and support; classified publications and technical documentation; transportation support; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $82 million.
The proposed sale will improve Japan’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing stand-off capability via advanced, long-range strike systems for employment on Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighter aircraft. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.
The principal contractors will be The Boeing Company, located in Arlington, Virginia (VA); and RTX Corporation, located in Arlington, VA.