The U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) representatives have awarded a $8.6 million contract to Raytheon Intelligence & Space for a Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS).

The Naval Air Traffic Management Systems Program Office (PMA-213) collaborated with the vendor and international customer to quickly bring this technology to JMSDF. JPALS, a software-based GPS system, enhances the safety and operational capability of equipped aircraft, allowing them to land on ships in all weather conditions.

The system is currently deployed on U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and amphibious ships and will be deployed on the JMSDF’s JS Izumo in 2024. JPALS has been supporting F-35B and F-35C deployments since 2016.

The procurement of JPALS by Japan shows their commitment to joint coalition force operations and interoperability, and supports their modernization and operational readiness goals.