The State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan of up to 56 Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IB missiles for an estimated cost of $1.150 billion. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Japan has also requested missile canisters.

The SM-3® interceptor is a defensive weapon the U.S. Navy uses to destroy short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles.

The interceptor uses sheer force, rather than an explosive warhead, to destroy its target. Its “kill vehicle” hits threats 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.