State Department Has Approved The Sale Worth $3 Billion

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan for V-22B Block C Osprey aircraft and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $3 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

The Government of Japan has requested a possible sale of 17 V-22B Block C Osprey aircraft, 40 AE1107C Rolls Royce Engines, 40 AN/AAQ-27 Forward Looking InfraRed Radars, 40 AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning Systems, 40 AN/APR-39 Radar Warning Receivers, 40 AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Systems, 40 AN/APX-123 Identification Friend or Foe Systems, 40 AN/APN-194 Radar Altimeters, 40 AN/ARN-147 VHF Omni-directional Range (VOR) Instrument Landing System (ILS) Beacon Navigation Systems, 40 629F-23 Multi-Band Radios (Non-COMSEC), 40 AN/ASN-163 Miniature Airborne Global Positioning System (GPS) Receivers (MAGR), 40 AN/ARN-153 Tactical Airborne Navigation Systems, 80 Night Vision Goggles, Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) with unique planning components, publications and technical documentation, aircraft spares and repair parts, repair and return, aircraft ferry services, tanker support, support and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, software, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, logistics and technical support services, and other elements of technical and program support. The estimated cost is $3 billion.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States. Japan is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in that region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Japan in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with U.S. objectives and the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.

Japan is modernizing its transport fleet to better support its defense and special mission needs. The proposed sale of V-22B Block C Osprey aircraft will greatly enhance the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s humanitarian and disaster relief capabilities and support amphibious operations. This sale will promote burden sharing with our ally and interoperability with U.S. forces. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this weapon system will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.state.gov, www.dsca.mil