US approves major missile deal for Japan

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

According to Bloomberg citing a statement, the US State Department said on January 3 that this purchase would be consistent with Washington's foreign policy and national security, and would help Japan improve security as well as ensure the safety of US military personnel stationed there.

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

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a key ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo- Pacific region," according to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

According to DSCA, this sale will also improve Japan's ability to respond to current and future threats, protect Japan's territory and US military personnel stationed in the country, and Japan will have no difficulty in receiving these weapons.

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

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

In another development, the US State Department said on January 3 that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit South Korea, Japan and France from January 4-9 amid the ongoing political crisis in Seoul.

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

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

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