11 December 2012

USA: Japan – AEGIS WEAPON SYSTEM UPGRADE

Atago Class Destroyer (Wiki Info - Image: Wiki Commons)

WASHINGTON, December 10, 2012 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan for the upgrade of previously provided AEGIS Combat Systems, as well as associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $421 million.

The Government of Japan has requested a possible sale for the upgrade of previously provided AEGIS Combat Systems as part of the modernization of two Atago Class Ships (DDG-177 ATAGO and DDG-178 ASHIGARA) with Integrated Air Missile Defense capability. The modifications/replacements consist of the following components: J6 AEGIS Weapon System Computer Program, 2 Multi-Mission Signal Processors for existing AN/SPY-1D(V) radar, 2 Common Processor Systems, 2 ship sets Common Display Systems (44 OJ-827(V)1 Tri Screen Display Consoles, 8 Display Processor Cabinets, 2 Video Wall Screen and Projector Systems, 46 Flat Panel Displays, and 2 Distributed Video Systems), 2 ship sets AN/SPQ-15 Digital Video Distribution Systems, 2 ship sets Operational Readiness Test Systems hosted in AEGIS Weapon Systems computing infrastructure, Ballistic Missile Defense (Mission Planner Blade server processors hosted in CPS, and 2 Kill Assessment Systems/Weapon Data Recording Cabinets), Vertical Launching System MK41 upgrade to Baseline 7 (24 Motor Control Panels MK 448 Mod 1, 48 Programmable Power4 Supplies MK 179 Mod 0, and 24 Launch Sequencers MK 5 Mod 1, 4 Fiber Optic Distribution Boxes, and 24 Single Module Junction Boxes), 4 Launch Control Units MK 235 Mod 7 with Global Positioning System Integrator, 2 ship sets Gun Weapon Systems MK 34, and 2 ship sets MK 20 Electro-Optical Sensor Systems. Also included: software updates, ordnance alterations and engineering changes, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $421 million.

Japan is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key ally of the United States in ensuring the peace and stability of this region. The U.S. Government shares bases and facilities in Japan. This proposed sale is consistent with U.S. objectives and with the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.

The proposed sale of AEGIS components to Japan will contribute to U.S. security objectives by providing a significantly improved Air Warfare capability. This sale will enhance Japan’s Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capabilities by modernizing and upgrading the AEGIS technology on its two Atago-class destroyers. The Government of Japan can easily integrate the capabilities of these upgraded AEGIS Weapon Systems into its concept of operations. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin MS2 in Mooretown, New Jersey. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Japan involving six U.S. Government and ten contractor representatives for technical reviews/support, programs management, and training over a period of three years.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.