US approves foreign military sale of AEGIS class destroyer support and related equipment to Japan.

According to information published by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) on August 4, 2021,the e US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of AEGIS Class Destroyer Support and related equipment for an estimated cost of $134 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.
Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

JMSDF AEGIS Destroyer JS Haguro (Picture source: JMSDF)

The Government of Japan has requested to buy Follow-On Technical Support (FOTS) of AEGIS Class Destroyers, to include sustainment support and services; AEGIS computer software updates, system integration and testing, in-country and on-site engineering support; familiarization, sustainment, and all necessary emergent support engineering and technical support services; operational support; system overhauls; system upgrades; on the-job practical operations and maintenance; combat systems integration; development, testing, installation of program patches and adaptation data and annual service agreements; technical inquiries by the purchaser; operation; integration; maintenance; field service engineering; problem investigation; technical assistance; solutions to the technical problems arising from post production, testing capabilities and support, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated program cost is $134 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the AsiaPacific region. It is vital to U.S. national interest to assist Japan in developing and maintaining a strong and effective self-defense capability.

The proposed sale is critical to ensure Japan Maritime Self Defense Force’s (JMSDF) Aegis Destroyer fleet and the Japanese Computer Program Test Sites (JCPTS) remain ready to provide capabilities in the defense of Japan. Specifically, the requested CPM services will provide JMSDF with software patches and adaptation data support that are vital to the effective and safe operations of the Aegis Combat Systems (ACS) suite. The in-country engineering and emergent support will assist JMSDF to address any malfunctions or faults that may arise with the ACS suite. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these services and support into its armed forces.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Corporation, Moorestown, NJ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the temporary assignment of five U.S. Government and two  contractor representatives to Japan.