The State Department has approved a possible $113 million deal with Japan for the sale of 56 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAMs).

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress on Oct. 4 of the foreign military sale, which includes Raytheon [RTN] AIM-120C-7 AMRAAMs, as well as containers, support equipment, logistical services and repair support.

Raytheon's AMRAAM air-to-air missile. Photo: Raytheon.
Raytheon’s AMRAAM air-to-air missile. Photo: Raytheon.

“This sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Western Pacific.  It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the DSCA said in a statement.

Raytheon’s Missile Systems business in Tucson, Ariz., would serve as the prime contractor for the deal.

“The proposed sale will provide Japan a critical air defense capability to assist in defending the Japanese homeland and U.S. personnel stationed there,” DSCA said in its statement