US Approves AMRAAM Missile Sale to Italy
The United States State Department has given the green light for the potential sale of 70 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Italy. This decision follows a formal request from the Italian government, which seeks to acquire 30 AIM-120D-3 and 40 AIM-120C-8 missiles, along with associated equipment and support services. The total estimated value of the deal is approximately $211 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency emphasized that this proposed sale will significantly enhance Italy’s capability to address both current and future aerial threats. The agency also pointed out that the sale will improve interoperability between the United States, NATO forces, and the Italian military, highlighting that Italy already operates AMRAAM missiles and will seamlessly integrate this new equipment into its arsenal.
Details of the AMRAAM Variants
Among the missiles involved in this deal, the AIM-120D-3 represents the latest advancement in the AMRAAM family, featuring an updated form, fit, and function hardware refresh. This enhancement aims to modernize the guidance section of its predecessor, addressing issues related to obsolescence. The AIM-120D-3 version is specifically designed to replace the older AIM-120D model.
In addition to the AIM-120D-3, the sale includes the AIM-120C-8 variant, which is tailored for export and also incorporates the F3 hardware upgrades but operates with different software systems. Both missile variants boast an impressive operational range of up to 160 kilometers (99 miles), marking a significant advancement in missile technology for Italy’s defense capabilities.
Contractor and Offset Agreement
RTX Corporation has been designated as the principal contractor for this missile sale to Italy. The involvement of RTX underscores the reliance on established defense contractors, which play a crucial role in ensuring that countries like Italy have access to top-tier military technology.
Notably, there is currently no offset agreement associated with this sale. Offset agreements are often used in defense contracts to provide additional economic benefits to the purchasing country, such as local production or job creation. Despite the absence of such arrangements in this deal, the emphasis remains on bolstering Italy’s aerial defense capabilities through the acquisition of advanced munitions.
