Japan to Upgrade Another AEGIS Destroyer, Buy SM-3 ABMs
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On June 8/07, the US DSCA announced Japan’s request for Ballistic Missile Defense upgrades to one AEGIS Weapon System (Lockheed-Martin Maritime System and Sensors in Moorestown, NJ), AEGIS BMD Vertical Launch System ORDALTs (BAE’s Mk41 modifications, Minneapolis, MN), 9 SM-3 Block IA STANDARD missiles (Raytheon in Tucson, AZ) with MK 21 Mod 2 canisters, containers, spare and repair parts, publications, documentation, supply support, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related elements of logistics support. The systems will be installed on Japan’s Kongo Class AEGIS destroyers, and the total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $475 million.
A subsequent Lockheed release strongly suggests that this is for the JDS Chokai [DDG-176], which is the last of the current Kongo Class destroyers; the 5th and 6th Improved Kongo Class ships currently under construction will reportedly have AEGIS BMD capability pre-installed. The JMSDF is working closely with the USA on missile defense activities, which includes modification and improvements to the SM-3 long-range anti-air/ABM missile as the outer layer of Japan’s ABM system, deployed from its Kongo Class AEGIS destroyers. Air Force cooperation has also improved by leaps and bounds, allowing for much closer coordination with the USA in all aspects including missile tracking. This article covers the elements of that request as they are fulfilled…
Contracts & Key Events
July 25/07: Lockheed Martin Maritime Sensors and Systems of Moorestown, NJ received a $33.1 million firm-fixed-price contract modification to fulfill the Japan AEGIS ship program requirement to procure AEGIS BMD Block 2004 capability for a Kongo Class Destroyer. Work will be performed at Moorestown, NJ and is expected to be complete by February 2009. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. is sued the contract (N00024-06-C-6106). See Aug 7/07 Lockheed Martin release.
June 8/07:
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announces Japan’s formal request [PDF format]. The announcement adds that:
“Japan’s agreement to provide fuel/logistics to U.S. and allied ships supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and its deployment of an AEGIS destroyer to the Indian Ocean have focused new obligations on the Japan Self Defense Forces (JSDF). The Japan Maritime Self Defense Forces (JMSDF) has four AEGIS destroyers operating with SM-2 missiles at sea; the fifth commissioned 15 March 2007, and a sixth is under construction.”
There are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale, and no contractors required to help the Japanese.
