The U.S. Department of War announced the agreement on Aug. 7. The first tranche includes $275.6 million from the U.S. defense budget and $277.6 million from Japan’s Ministry of Defense.
SM-3 Block IIA is designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside the Earth’s atmosphere. The interceptor uses a kinetic warhead and a three-stage rocket propulsion system.
The missile is deployed from warships and land-based installations equipped with Mk 41 vertical launch systems. It destroys ballistic missile targets through direct kinetic impact rather than an explosive warhead.
The SM-3 Block IIA made its combat debut in April 2024 during the defense of Israel against an Iranian missile attack. U.S. Navy destroyers USS Arleigh Burke and USS Carney participated in the operation.
At least six Iranian ballistic missiles were destroyed using SM-3 Block IIA interceptors during that engagement, according to the report. The operation marked the first documented combat use of the weapon.
The source said SM-3 Block IIA interceptors may also have been used during U.S. interceptions of Iranian ballistic missiles this year. Those operations took place near Israel and Turkey, although use of the interceptor in those engagements was not confirmed.
