April 10 (UPI) -- The State Department approved the sale of anti-ballistic missiles to Japan, pending Congressional approval, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced.
The sale, announced Tuesday, includes up to 56 SM-3 Block IB interceptor missiles, with missile canisters, technical assistance and support at an estimated cost of $1.150 billion. Raytheon Missile Systems, of Tucson, Ariz., would be the prime contractor of the missiles, with BAE Systems of Minneapolis, Minn., designated as contractor on the missile canisters.