$113 million US missile batch helps Japan increase interception capacity

The US Department of Defense approved a deal to sell 56 AIM-120C7 medium-range air-to-air missiles worth $113 million to Japan.

AIM-120C AMRAAM missile. Illustration photo: Military Edge.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said yesterday that the Pentagon has just agreed to sell 56 AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missiles to the Japan Self-Defense Forces, to enhance the country's air defense capabilities, Sputnik reported.

"This agreement will provide important air defense capabilities to help protect Japanese territory and US military forces stationed there. The $113 million contract includes 56 missiles, support equipment, spare parts and technical support from US experts," said a DSCA representative.

The AIM-120C-7 missile has a range of over 120 km and a speed of 4,900 km/h, and is expected to be equipped on Japan's F-15J heavy fighter squadron and F-2 light fighter squadron. The AIM-120C-7 version uses the "fire and forget" principle, helping pilots not have to continuously lock on targets after firing. This allows each fighter to attack multiple targets in a short time, maximizing combat effectiveness.

The AIM-120 AMRAAM missile uses a radar seeker and can operate in all weather conditions. This is one of the main air-to-air weapons of US and allied fighters, along with the AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range infrared missile. Manufacturer Raytheon said the AMRAAM line is in service with the US Air Force and 37 countries around the world.

According to VNE