The US State Department has approved the sale of SM-6 missiles in the Block I modification to Japan.This was reported by the Cooperation Agency in
What is known
Japan ordered 32 missiles and will receive two of themtranches of 16 units. Also, MK-21 VLS vertical-launch rocket launchers, spare parts and training equipment will go to the Land of the Rising Sun. The contract value was $450 million.
The manufacturer of SM-6 Block I missiles, they are also RIM-174SM-6 ERAM is Raytheon. The missiles have an improved guidance system in the final flight segment due to the use of an active radar homing head. It was borrowed from the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile.
Another feature of the SM-6 Block I isthe use of the Mk 72 booster, which is installed in the SM-3 anti-missile. It provides a maximum range of 240 km. In flight, the rocket can rise to a height of 33 km.
Image: Defense Brief