The State Department of United States (US) has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Sweden of Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $605 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Government of Sweden has requested to buy up to two hundred fifty (250) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM); and up to six (6) AMRAAM C-8 Guidance Sections.
Also included are spare AIM-120 control sections and containers; AMRAAM Test Set (ATS) telemetry kits; encryption devices; munitions support and support equipment; classified software delivery and support; spare parts, consumables, and accessories; repair and return support; transportation support; classified publications and technical documentation; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.
The estimated total cost is $605 million.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.
The proposed sale will improve Sweden’s capability to meet and deter current and future threats in the region by ensuring Sweden has modern, capable air-to-air munitions.
This sale will further advance the already high level of Swedish Air Force interoperability with U.S. joint forces and other regional and NATO forces. Sweden will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.
The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection.
About Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles
Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (ARMAAM) is the world’s most sophisticated, combat-proven air dominance weapon.
With more than 30 years of design, upgrades, testing and production, the AIM-120 missile continues to meet warfighter requirements in all weather and beyond visual range.
Its capabilities have been fully demonstrated in over 4,900 test shots and more than 13 air-to-air combat victories.
The AMRAAM missile packs unprecedented performance into a lightweight, cost-effective package.
Further, it uses a combination of inertial guidance, midcourse updates, and an on-board active radar to find the intended target and complete the intercept.
And, because of continual development and ongoing modernization it remains the gold standard for the air dominance arena.
Procured by 40 countries and the U.S., the AMRAAM missile has been integrated onto the F-15A/B/C/D/E Eagle/Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet, F-22 Raptor, Eurofighter Typhoon, JAS-39 Gripen, Tornado and Harrier.
Besides, it is also the baseline weapon on the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, also known as NASAMS™.
The newest version of AMRAAM is operational on all F-35 Joint Strike Fighter variants. It is the only radar-guided, air-to-air missile cleared to fly on the F-35.
Undeniably, the AMRAAM is truly a dual-role missile, offering operational flexibility in air-to-air and surface-launch engagements.
In the air-to-air role, the weapon’s advanced active guidance section and mature seeker design allow it to quickly find targets in the most challenging environments.
Furthermore, in the surface-launch role, it is the baseline weapon on NASAMS, allowing countries to use the same missile in either role with no modifications.
The AMRAAM-Extended Range missile is a new, ground-launched solution that will intercept targets at longer distances and higher altitudes. The AMRAAM-ER missile gets its boost in range from a bigger rocket motor and optimized flight control algorithms.
Designed specifically for ground-based air defense, the AMRAAM-ER missile will be integrated with the NASAMS launcher for increased air defense protection in the medium-range air defense market.
As of now, NASAMS is owned by 12 countries and has been integrated into the U.S. National Capital Region’s air defense system since 2005. The first AMRAAM-ER missile flight test was successfully completed in the second quarter of 2021.
Production deliveries are expected in 2022.
Source & Image Courtesy: https://www.rtx.com/raytheon/what-we-do/air/amraam-missile
