On April 9, the U.S. State Department approved the potential sale of 56 SM-3 Block IB interceptor missiles to Japan. As the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) news release further explains, “Also included are missile canisters, U.S. Government and contractor representatives’ technical assistance, engineering and logistical support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support.” The SM-3 Block IB is an exo-atmospheric missile defense interceptor used for theater ballistic missile defense. Part of the the Aegis Weapon System, it uses a hit-to-kill kinetic kill vehicle to intercept ballistic missiles during the midcourse of their flight path.