A proposed $3.3 billion missile sale to Japan was approved by the U.S. State Department, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

The request by Japan includes up to 73 SM-3 Block IIA standard missiles, and support in the form of MK 29 canisters with packing, handling, storage, and transportation kits; up to ten Special Assignment Airlift Mission flights; technical assistance, engineering and logistical support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support, DSCA said in a statement on Tuesday.

The SM-3 missile is a defensive weapon made by Raytheon and used primarily by the U.S. Navy to destroy short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles.

A Raytheon statement said the missile arrives at its target "with the force of a 10-ton truck traveling 600 mph. This technique, referred to as 'hit-to-kill,' has been likened to intercepting a bullet with another bullet.

The State Department previously approved the sale of 56 SM-3 missile to Japan in April.

BAE Systems will supply the other equipment mentioned in the contract announced on Tuesday.

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US approves $3.3bn sale of anti-ballistic missiles to Japan
Washington (AFP) Aug 27, 2019
Washington approved the $3.3 billion sale of anti-ballistic missiles to Japan Tuesday, following close behind a series of new ballistic missile tests by North Korea that could threaten the US ally. Japan will buy up to 73 of the Raytheon-made SM-3 Block IIA missiles, which are designed to be fired by the ship-board Aegis system to intercept incoming ballistic missiles, the Pentagon said. The sale came as North Korea is expanding its offensive missile capabilities, having proven over the past two ... read more