The US State Department has approved Italy’s requests for air-to-air missiles and small bombs worth $214 million.
In a recent announcement, the state department said Rome had requested 12 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) for $69.3 million.
The RTX-manufactured weapon is expected to improve the aerial combat capabilities of the Italian Armed Forces amid heightened regional tensions.
It is compatible with Italy’s American-made F-35 and F-16 fighter jets.
The contract also covers the provision of AMRAAM containers and support equipment, spare parts, and engineering, technical, and logistics support.
“The proposed sale will improve Italy’s capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring Italy has modern, capable air-to-air munitions,” according to the announcement. “Italy already has AMRAAMs in its inventory and will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.”
Small Diameter Bombs
Simultaneously, the Italian military is set to receive 125 Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) – Increment II as part of a proposed $150-million agreement.
The bombs will be integrated into the F-35s operated by the Italian Air Force and Italian Navy.
According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the sale will help America improve the security of an important NATO ally, which is a “force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.”
It will also advance US interoperability with NATO and the Italian Armed Forces.
As with the AMRAAM deal, RTX will serve as the prime contractor for the contract, which will also see the delivery of SDB weapon load crew trainers, spare parts, and necessary munitions support services.