The US State Department has approved the potential sale of two types of RTX-manufactured missiles to its NATO ally, Turkey.
Ankara requested 53 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), six AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections, and related support for $225 million.
In addition, it ordered 60 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II All Up Round missiles and 11 AIM-9X Block II Tactical guidance units for a total cost of $79.1 million.
The Sidewinder sale requires yearly trips involving three representatives from the US government and two from the contractor to provide technical reviews, support, and oversight for eight years.
The possible sale was announced as NATO member representatives gathered in Turkey to discuss peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Turkish Air Defense
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the sale supports Washington’s national security and foreign policy goals as it improves “the security of a NATO Ally that continues to be a force for political and economic stability in Europe.”
Turkey, having the second-largest armed forces within the alliance after the US, operates a fleet of F-16 fighter aircraft that can launch AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs and AIM-9X Sidewinders.
The AIM-120C-8 is fitted with a blast fragmentation warhead and is designed to hit targets beyond visual range, while the AIM-9X is used for engaging short-range threats, reinforcing the country’s air defense.
