The United States government has authorized the possible sale of a significant batch of AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles to equip the fighter aircraft of the Royal Saudi Air Force. This authorization was revealed through one of the recent notifications from the U.S. Department of State to Congress regarding the approval of the operation through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, which is valued at $3.5 billion.
In recent months, most of the latest authorizations granted in favor of the Saudi Armed Forces have focused on the Saudi Army. These have included potential sales of Hellfire guided rockets and BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missiles.
In the case of the Royal Saudi Air Force, a notable authorized operation took place in October of last year, involving the possible sale of a batch of 220 new AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.
Continuing along this line, the most recent authorization issued by the Department of State would also aim to finalize the sale of new air-to-air missiles for Saudi fighter aircraft.
According to the publication by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Saudi Arabia requested to purchase up to one thousand (1,000) new AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), along with fifty (50) guidance sections, as well as the corresponding documentation and support from RTX Corporation, the designated principal contractor for the deal.
The Department of State stated: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that continues to be a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.” It also added: “The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”
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