The US State Department approved  a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan of thirty-two (32) AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) for an estimated cost of $63 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on November 19.

Raytheon's AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile
(Credit: Raytheon)

Japan has requested to buy 32 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM).  Also included are containers, weapon support and support equipment, spare and repair parts, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistical support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated program cost is $63 million.

"The proposed sale of these missiles will provide Japan a critical air defense capability to assist in defending the Japanese homeland and U.S. personnel stationed there," the DSCA said. 

The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a modern beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) designed and produced by the US missile maker Raytheon. The C-variant has been steadily upgraded since it was introduced in 1996. The C-7 variant includes improvements in homing and a greater range.