State Department approves $4.5 billion upgrade to Japan's F-15J aircraft

The State Department has approved a possible $4.5 billion foreign military sale to upgrade no more than 98 F-15J aircraft to a Japanese Super Interceptor configuration, according to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency notice sent to Congress on Oct. 29.

The JSI consists of up to 103 APG-82 Active Electronically Scanned Array Radars, 116 Advanced Display Core Processor II Mission System Computers and 101 ALQ-239 Digital Electronic Warfare Systems.

The configuration also includes a joint mission planning system, selective availability anti-spoofing module, aircraft and munition integration, ground training devices and other support services.

"This proposed sale will provide Japan a critical air defense capability to assist in defending the Japanese homeland and U.S. personnel stationed there," the notice says. "Modernized F-15J assets will better enable Japan to respond to airborne threats and defend its airspace."

The prime contractor for the FMS portion of the sale will be Boeing, while Mitsubishi will cover the direct commercial sale portion with Boeing serving as a sub-contractor supporting the integration of the FMS and DCS components.