Japan may arm its Aegis Ashore missile defence system with SM-6 missiles.

According to local sources, Japan is considering equipping ground-based Aegis Ashore systems with the capacity to intercept cruise missiles, in addition to the ability to defend against ballistic missiles. Japanese government intends to introduce two Aegis Ashore systems in Japan by around fiscal 2023. These would be equipped with SM-3 Block IIA missiles which are being jointly developed by Japan and the United States with the capacity to intercept ballistic missiles at altitudes exceeding 1,000 kilometers. The government is also considering equipping the systems with SM-6 anti-air missiles to take down cruise missiles.