In a major boost in Indo-Pacific defence, Japan's fight fleet to be equipped with subsonic cruise missile JASSM-ER

Japan is set to enhance its aerial fighting capabilities with the purchase of the highly sophisticated cruise missile, Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER), developed by Lockheed Martin.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified that the State Department is expected to approve the possible foreign military sale of JASSM-ER and required equipment to Japan at a cost of $39 million.

"The government of Japan has requested to buy up to sixteen (16) AGM-158B/B-2 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range (JASSM-ER). The following non-MDE items will also be included: AGM-158 JASSM Dummy Air Training Missiles (DATM) and containers; JASSM Anti-jam Global Positioning System Receivers (JAGR); munitions support and support equipment; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; integration and test support and equipment; classified and unclassified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; personnel training and equipment; airlift and transportation support; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistics and program support," a notification from the agency read.

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JASSM-ER offers both fighter and bomber aircraft the ability to strike critical, high-value, heavily defended targets. The low observable, highly survivable, subsonic cruise missile which carries a 1000-pound class hardened, penetrating warhead with a robust blast fragmentation capability, will improve Japan's capability to meet current and future threats.

These missiles will be deployed on Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) fighter aircraft, including the F-15J and F-35A/B.

The next-generation cruise missile deal would also help the US strengthen a major ally to ensure political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region. The US asserted that the proposed sale of this equipment and support would not alter the basic military balance in the region.