Saudi Arabia Secures $650M Deal for AIM-120C AMRAAM Missiles from the US
The State Department has reached a conclusion sanctioning a prospective Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and associated equipment at an estimated price of $650 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has today provided the necessary certification to inform Congress regarding this potential sale.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in purchasing two hundred eighty (280) AIM-120C-7/C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) alongside five hundred ninety-six (596) LAU-128 Missile Rail Launchers (MRL). This acquisition also encompasses containers, weapon support along with essential equipment, spare parts, repair components, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services, along with additional related elements of logistical and program assistance. The comprehensive estimated cost stands at $650 million.
This proposed transaction aims to bolster U.S. foreign policy and national security by enhancing the safety of a partner nation, which remains a vital contributor to political and economic stability in the Middle East.
The proposed acquisition will enhance Saudi Arabia’s capacity to address both current and future threats by augmenting its inventory of medium-range missiles for its aerial combat fleet to strengthen national defense. This potential transaction will benefit Saudi Arabia’s Eurofighter Typhoon, F-15C/D, F-15S, and F-15SA programs, further solidifying the interoperability between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia will effectively integrate these missiles into its military forces.
This proposed sale of hardware and support will not disturb the fundamental military equilibrium in the region.
The primary contractor will be Raytheon, located in Waltham, MA. There are no known offset agreements connected to this prospective sale; however, the buyer typically seeks offsets. Any offset agreement will be established during negotiations between the buyer and the contractor.
The execution of this proposed sale will not necessitate the deployment of additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia.
There will be no negative effect on U.S. defense readiness as a consequence of this proposed sale.
This notification of a potential sale is mandated by law. The description and financial value are based on the maximum estimated quantity and dollar amount contingent on initial requirements. The actual financial value may vary depending on final requirements, budget authority, and finalized sales agreements, if and when completed.
