The US State Department has approved the potential sale of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Saudi Arabia for an estimated $3.5 billion.
The sale includes 1,000 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs, 50 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections, and technical support.
RTX is the principal contractor, and no known offset agreement has been proposed.
The sale requires the approval of the US Congress to go through.
The initial approval comes ahead of US President Donald Trump’s planned trip to the country in the middle of this month.
During his visit, President Trump will reportedly announce a $100-billion military sale offer to Riyadh, including missiles, radars, and C-130 transport aircraft.
AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM
The latest international AMRAAM variant, the AIM-120C-8, features upgraded circuit cards and advanced processors in the guidance section.
It has a 160-kilometer (99 miles) range and a greater escape zone than previous versions.
The missile features a two-way data link for in-flight updates, an upgraded active radar seeker, greater maneuverability, and better defense against electronic countermeasures.
