US to sell sea-skimming aerial targets to Japan
The US State Department has agreed a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan. The sale of subsonic sea-skimming aerial targets (SSATs) would include technical support and related equipment, and cost around US$113 million (estimated at the highest value of the contract).
The sale to Japan would break down into lots of up to two BQM-177A SSATs for Aegis system equipped vessels (ASEVs), as well as an as-yet unspecified number of GQM-163 target drones and the follow-on technical support necessary to operate the ASEVs.
That support would include combat systems sea qualification trials (CSSQT) and sustainment support services, Aegis computer software updates, combat systems integration, system integration, testing, overhauls and upgrades.
Related Articles
Kratos delivers first production BQM-177A Subsonic SSAT
Development, familiarisation, operational and maintenance support, as well as classified books and other publications (both technical and non-technical) would also be included in the estimated price, along with adaptation data, annual service agreements, test support, technical documentation, personnel training, and engineering, technical and logistical support from both the US Government and the relevant contractors.
The rationale behind agreeing the potential sale, the State Department said, was to improve the security of a major US ally in the Indo-Pacific region and thereby improve the stability of the region as a whole.
The principal contractor for the BQM-177A SSATs would be Kratos Defense, located in Sacramento, Califonia, and Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The principal contractor for the GQM-163A target drones would be Northrop Grumman, located in Chandler, Arizona, and the principal contractor for the Aegis Weapon System (AWS) would be Lockheed Martin Corporation, located in Moorestown, New Jersey.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Learning from Japan: how to transform a fleet at speed
At a recent event in London, lessons were shared based on the experiences of the Japanese Navy and how it has been building a fleet rapidly.
-
Lockheed Martin wins contract to build the Trident II D5 Life Extension missile
The company will also invest in new production facilities to service the ongoing need for the D5LE2.
-
New deals awarded for US submarine electronic warfare systems and the USS Ronald Reagan
The US Government has awarded contracts to upgrade electronic warfare systems, missile availability, and the USS Ronald Reagan for future missions.
-
Mitsubishi to build new OPV for Indonesia to enhance security coverage
The offshore patrol vessel (OPV) will join its predecessor vessel in enforcing security around Indonesia’s coastline.