US Approves $39M JASSM-ER Missile Sale to Japan for Defense Modernization

US Approves Additional $39 Million JASSM-ER Order for JASDF’s Aircraft

The recent approval by the U.S. State Department for the sale of 16 AGM-158B/B-2 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER) missiles to Japan marks a significant step in Japan’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military capabilities. Valued at $39 million, this sale includes not only the missiles but also training missiles, containers, support equipment, spare parts, and logistics services. This move is part of Japan’s broader strategy to enhance its defense systems in response to regional security challenges, particularly the growing military presence of China.

The JASSM-ER, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile designed to provide a standoff capability, allowing aircraft to launch the missile from a safe distance, thereby reducing the risk of counterattack. With an effective range of approximately 1,000 kilometers, the JASSM-ER is equipped with a fragmentation/penetration explosive warhead, making it a formidable weapon in Japan’s arsenal. This latest approval follows an earlier acquisition of 50 JASSM-ER missiles in mid-2023, valued at $104 million, indicating Japan’s continued commitment to bolstering its long-range strike capabilities.

Japan’s plan to upgrade its F-15J fighters was restarted in 2022, and the integration of the JASSM-ER missiles into its F-15J, F-35A, and F-35B fighter jets is a critical component of this modernization effort. The F-15J is undergoing upgrades to support new air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, while the F-35A and F-35B are part of Japan’s fifth-generation fighter fleet. The inclusion of the F-35B, which will be deployed from the Izumo-class helicopter carriers of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, highlights Japan’s strategic plan to utilize these missiles across various platforms, including those capable of operating from naval vessels.

Japan’s Military Modernization Efforts

Japan has been actively enhancing its military capabilities in recent years, driven by regional security concerns and the need to maintain a strategic balance in the Asia-Pacific region. The acquisition of advanced missiles like the JASSM-ER is a key part of this effort. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has been modernizing its fleet, including the upgrade of its F-15J and the introduction of the F-35A and F-35B fighter jets. These upgrades are aimed at ensuring that Japan can effectively respond to current and future threats, particularly from neighboring countries with growing military capabilities.

The modernization of the F-15J fleet is particularly significant. The F-15J, a variant of the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, has been a mainstay of Japan’s air defense for decades. However, with the rapid advancements in military technology, the F-15J has needed upgrades to remain relevant in modern warfare. The integration of the JASSM-ER missiles is a critical component of these upgrades, providing the F-15J with a long-range strike capability that enhances its effectiveness in both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions.

In addition to the F-15J, Japan’s fifth-generation fighter fleet, comprising the F-35A and F-35B, is also being equipped with the JASSM-ER missiles. The F-35A is a conventional takeoff and landing variant, while the F-35B is a short takeoff and vertical landing variant. The inclusion of the F-35B in the JASSM-ER program is particularly noteworthy, as it allows Japan to deploy these missiles from its Izumo-class helicopter carriers, significantly enhancing its naval strike capabilities. This integration underscores Japan’s strategic focus on multi-domain operations, ensuring that its military can operate effectively across land, air, and sea.

“The proposed sale will enhance Japan’s ability to address current and future threats by providing a standoff strike capability through advanced long-range strike systems for employment on JASDF combat aircraft, including but not limited to the F-15J and F-35A/B. Japan will have no difficulty incorporating these items and services into its armed forces.” – U.S. Department of State

Global and Industry Context

The approval of the JASSM-ER sale to Japan fits into broader global and industry trends. The acquisition of advanced missiles like the JASSM-ER reflects Japan’s efforts to bolster its defense capabilities in response to regional security challenges, particularly the growing military presence of China. This move is part of a larger trend of military modernization among countries in the Asia-Pacific region, where nations are investing in advanced weaponry to maintain a strategic balance.

The sale is also indicative of the ongoing global arms trade, where countries are seeking to acquire advanced military technologies to enhance their defense capabilities. The involvement of major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin highlights the commercial and strategic aspects of such transactions. Lockheed Martin has recently expanded its manufacturing facilities to increase production efficiency and capacity, ensuring that it can meet the growing demand for advanced military systems like the JASSM-ER.

In addition to the immediate strategic benefits, the sale of JASSM-ER missiles to Japan also has broader implications for the global defense industry. It underscores the importance of long-range strike capabilities in modern warfare and highlights the role of advanced missile systems in shaping the future of military operations. As countries continue to invest in these capabilities, the demand for advanced missile systems like the JASSM-ER is likely to grow, driving further innovation and development in the defense industry.

Conclusion

The approval of the $39 million JASSM-ER sale to Japan is a significant development in Japan’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military capabilities. By equipping its F-15J, F-35A, and F-35B fighter jets with these advanced long-range missiles, Japan is enhancing its ability to respond to current and future threats, particularly in the context of regional security challenges. This move is part of a broader trend of military modernization in the Asia-Pacific region, where countries are investing in advanced weaponry to maintain a strategic balance.

Looking ahead, the integration of the JASSM-ER missiles into Japan’s military arsenal is likely to have far-reaching implications. It underscores the importance of long-range strike capabilities in modern warfare and highlights the role of advanced missile systems in shaping the future of military operations. As countries continue to invest in these capabilities, the demand for advanced missile systems like the JASSM-ER is likely to grow, driving further innovation and development in the defense industry. Japan’s acquisition of these missiles is a clear indication of its commitment to maintaining a strong and capable defense force in the face of evolving security challenges.

FAQ

What is the JASSM-ER missile?
The JASSM-ER (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range) is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile developed by Lockheed Martin. It has an effective range of approximately 1,000 kilometers and is designed to provide a standoff capability, allowing aircraft to launch the missile from a safe distance.

Why is Japan acquiring JASSM-ER missiles?
Japan is acquiring JASSM-ER missiles to enhance its long-range strike capabilities and modernize its military forces. This is part of Japan’s broader strategy to respond to regional security challenges, particularly the growing military presence of China.

Which aircraft will be equipped with the JASSM-ER missiles?
The JASSM-ER missiles will be integrated into the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s F-15J, F-35A, and F-35B fighter jets. The F-15J is undergoing modernization to support these missiles, while the F-35A and F-35B are part of Japan’s fifth-generation fighter fleet.

Sources: Shephard Media, Aviation Week Network, Wikipedia, Defence Connect, Zona Militar, 19FortyFive