The United States has approved a potential $100.2 million Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Japan to provide follow-on technical support and related services for its Aegis-class destroyer fleet, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Tuesday.

According to the DSCA, the US State Department has made a formal determination approving the sale, and the agency has delivered the required certification notifying the US Congress.

Under the request, the Government of Japan seeks a wide range of sustainment, testing, and operational support services for its Aegis-equipped destroyers operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The package includes Combat Systems Sea Qualification Trials (CSSQT), test and evaluation services, software updates for Aegis combat systems, systems integration and testing, and in-country engineering and technical support.

The proposed sale also covers system overhauls and upgrades, operational and maintenance training, combat systems integration, development and installation of program patches, annual service agreements, and field service engineering. Additional elements include technical assistance, problem investigation, post-production support, and logistics and program support services.

US officials said the sale supports Washington’s foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of Japan, described as a major ally and a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region.

“The proposed sale will improve Japan’s capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring the JMSDF’s Aegis fleet remains ready to provide critical defensive capabilities,” the DSCA said. In particular, the requested CSSQT services are considered vital to the safe and effective operation of the Aegis Combat Systems suite.

Japan continues to modernize its naval forces to support Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) missions and other specialized operational requirements. US officials noted that the JMSDF’s Aegis fleet plays a central role in Japan’s national defense strategy and contributes to enhanced interoperability with the US Navy.

The DSCA emphasized that the proposed sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region. Instead, it would further strengthen a long-standing cooperative defense relationship between the United States and Japan while enhancing regional stability.

Japan currently operates multiple Aegis-equipped ships and is already proficient in ballistic missile defense operations, as well as in the use of the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15J undersea warfare combat system for surveillance and detection. US officials said Japan would have no difficulty integrating the requested services into its existing armed forces structure.

Lockheed Martin Corporation, based in Moorestown, New Jersey, has been identified as the principal contractor for the proposed sale. The US government said it is not aware of any offset agreements related to the potential deal, noting that any such arrangements would be negotiated directly between Japan and the contractor.

The DSCA added that implementation of the proposed sale would not require the deployment of additional US government or contractor personnel to Japan and would have no adverse impact on US defense readiness.

The agency noted that the $100.2 million figure represents the highest estimated cost based on initial requirements. The final value of the sale may be lower, depending on finalized requirements, budget authorization, and the conclusion of signed sales agreements. (ILKHA)