Japan Seeks AARGM-ER to Suppress Enemy Warship Air Defenses

Key Points:

• Japan plans to acquire the U.S.-made AGM-88G AARGM-ER missile in its fiscal year 2027 defense budget to suppress enemy warship air defenses and support long-range anti-ship strikes.
• The Japanese Ministry of Defense is also adding an air-to-air role to its ASM-3 Kai supersonic anti-ship missile, enabling it to target high-value airborne threats like AWACS and refueling tankers.
• The AARGM-ER, developed by Northrop Grumman, is a supersonic, air-launched anti-radiation missile designed to detect and neutralize enemy surface-to-air missile systems, thereby degrading warship defensive capabilities.
• Japan aims to use AARGM-ER in maritime strike operations to suppress or destroy enemy radars and air-defense systems ahead of or alongside anti-ship missile attacks, enhancing its ability to control sea lanes.
• While the JASDF is exploring new operational concepts and capabilities under "new ways of warfare," officials have not disclosed specific scenarios or detailed changes in air operations related to these acquisitions.