US approves major missile deal for Japan

The United States announced approval for the sale of up to 1,200 advanced air-to-air missiles and related equipment worth $3.64 billion to Japan.

According to a statement cited by Bloomberg, the US State Department said on January 3 that the sale would be consistent with Washington's foreign policy and national security, and would help Japan improve its security and ensure the safety of US troops stationed there.

The AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air interceptor missile is launched.

"This proposed deal would support the achievement of U.S. foreign policy and national security goals by enhancing the security of a key ally that drives political stability and economic progress in the Indo- Pacific region," according to the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

According to the DSCA, this deal will also improve Japan's ability to respond to current and future threats, protect Japanese territory as well as U.S. troops stationed in the country, and Japan will not have difficulty receiving these weapons.

What weapons does Japan want with its proposed record defense budget?

The U.S. State Department approved the deal, and the DSCA notified Congress on January 3. However, the deal still requires formal congressional approval. Under the agreement, the U.S. will sell Japan up to 1,200 advanced AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 medium-range air-to-air missiles, as well as related equipment, spare parts, and supporting materials. These missiles can be launched from F-15 and F-35 aircraft currently operated by Japan.

In other news, the US State Department announced on January 3rd that Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to South Korea, Japan, and France from January 4-9 amid the ongoing political crisis in Seoul.

The U.S. State Department said Blinken would meet with senior South Korean government officials and discuss how they "can enhance vital efforts to promote a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, as well as trilateral cooperation efforts with Japan."

In France, Foreign Minister Blinken will discuss the challenges in the Middle East and Europe amid ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/my-phe-duyet-thuong-vu-ten-lua-lon-cho-nhat-ban-185250104075314364.htm