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Japan: Another batch of anti-balistic SM-3 missiles for the Navy
Author:Mariusz Dasiewicz
The U.S. State Department has granted permission to sell further batches of anti-balistic SM-3 missiles to Japan. As a result of the transaction, Japan will acquire the third and so far the largest batch of these missiles.
The official approval of the State Department is a response to the previously mentioned missiles reported by Japan and published by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). The package is intended to cover 56 SM-3 combat missiles in Block IB version and the necessary equipment and accompanying services. We are talking about a sufficient number of launch containers for Mk 41 vertical launchers, military and industrial support specialists, and training materials and documentation. The value of the entire purchase could be up to $1.15 billion, its main beneficiaries will be Raytheon (responsible for missile production) and BAE Systems (manufacturing launch containers).
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After the State Department has given its consent, the Senate has a chance of referring to the sale of weapons. Senators have one month to express any objections to the sale of missiles, although no votes of objection should be expected to take into account the country of destination.
The SM-3 projectile is a missile designed to combat short ballistics (SRBM) and medium (IRBM) range and to a limited extent, intercontinental missiles (ICBM). It functions within the Aegis Balistic Missile Defense system. The rocket consists of 3 degrees, the last of which is an exoatmospheric "kill vehicle" which, for interception, uses a two-range guidance head working in the infrared band. "Kill vehicle" does not have a warhead, the target is destroyed by a direct hit of the object.
Raytheon is currently working on another version of his Block IIB missile. This option will have a new "kill vehicle" with increased maneuverability and a drive to capture ballistic targets of greater speed and range.
Japan uses SM-3 missiles carried aboard warships belonging to the Marine Self-defense Force (JMSDF). These are now four Congo-type destroyers and two newer Atago-type ships. In the future, the Japanese fleet will power two more units of this type. Further strengthening the ability to defend against ballistic missiles will be announced in December 2017 the purchase of 2 land installations of Aegis Ashore.
Signature: LP
