JAPAN TO ACQUIRE ADDITIONAL SM-6 MISSILES

the Japanese government plans to spend about $118 million on missiles for its new guided missile destroyer Maya. the Aegisequipped Maya will be commissioned in 2020 and will receive several SM-6 missiles. SM-6 integration is part of Japan’s Integrated Air and Missile defense initiative that will intercept missiles through the integrated use of Aegis vessels, early-warning aircraft, radars and other equipment, mainly in view of the threats posed by cruise missiles owned by China and under development by north Korea. the SM-6 is the latest variant of raytheon’s combat proven missile system. Integrated with the Aegis BMd the missiles provide protection against anti-ship and ballistic missiles.