The Pentagon plans to sell 40 Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) surface-to-air missiles to Japan. Japan has requested the interceptors for its Maritime Self Defense Force fleet, in order to bolster its defense of critical sea-lanes.
According to the Pentagon, “It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Japan to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability, which will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area.”
According to the Pentagon, “It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Japan to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability, which will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area.”