US to sell missiles worth over $133 million to Japan

Says it will reinforce the Asian country’s defence against the ballistic missile threat from North Korea

This undated file photo distributed by the North Korean government shows what was said to be the test launch of an intermediate range Hwasong-12 in North Korea.

The United States has approved the sale of missiles worth $133.3 million to Japan, saying it will serve to reinforce the Asian country’s defence against the ballistic missile threat from North Korea.

The consignment, which must still be approved by the US Congress, includes the sales of four missiles for the SM-3 interceptor Block IIA system and four MK29 launchers, in addition to the provision of technical and operational support by the US, Efe news reported.

‘Commitment to treaty allies’

The sale would also “follow through on President Donald Trump’s commitment to provide additional defensive capabilities to treaty allies” threatened by North Korea’s “provocative behaviour,” a State Department official said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Japan will be able to strengthen its missile defence system with these weapons and the security of the US facilities in the region will thus also be increased.

According to the latest official data released by the US State Department, in 2016, the Congress authorised the sale of weapons to Japan worth $7.995 billion.