The US Department of State has approved a significant military sale to Turkey, a strategic NATO ally, including advanced AIM-120C-8 Amraam and AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II air-to-air missiles, along with logistics and program support services. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the US Congress yesterday, May 14, 2025, of this potential transaction, whose total estimated value stands at $ 304.1 million.

Specifically, Ankara has requested the acquisition of fifty-three AIM-120C-8 Amraam missiles, six AIM-120C-8 guidance sections, sixty AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles, and eleven AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units. The agreement also includes missile containers and support equipment, the Common Munitions Built-in-Test (Bit) Reprogramming Equipment (Cmbre) system, spare parts, consumables, and accessories, repair and return support, software and weapon system support, provision and support of classified software, classified publications, and technical documentation, transportation support, studies and analyses, technical, logistical, and engineering support services from the US government and contractors, and other related logistics and program elements.

The US Administration stressed that this proposed sale is in line with US foreign policy and national security objectives, strengthening the security of a NATO ally that continues to play a crucial role in political and economic stability in Europe. The supply of these advanced missiles will provide Turkey with a critical air defense capability to protect its national territory and US personnel stationed in the country. US officials believe that Turkey will have no difficulty integrating these weapons systems into its armed forces.

According to the DSCA, the potential sale of this equipment and related support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The primary contractor for this supply will be RTX Corporation, based in Tucson, Arizona. At this time, the US Government is not aware of any proposed offset agreements in connection with this potential sale, the finalization of which will be subject to negotiations between the buyer and the supplier.

The implementation of this potential sale will not require the assignment of additional US Government or contractor personnel to Turkey for the AIM-120C-8 missiles. However, for the AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles, US Government and contractor representatives are expected to make annual trips to Turkey for approximately eight years for technical reviews, support and oversight. DSCA has also assured that this potential sale will not have any negative impact on US defense readiness. It is important to note that the prices and quantities quoted represent maximum estimates based on initial requirements, and actual costs may be lower based on final needs, budget authorizations and final sales agreements.

Procured by 40 countries as well as the United States, the Amraam missile has been integrated on the F-15 A/B/C/D/E Eagle/Strike Eagle variants, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet, F-22 Raptor, Eurofighter Typhoon, JAS-39 Gripen, Tornado and Harrier aircraft. It is also the core weapon of the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, also known as Nasams. The latest version of the Amraam is operational on all variants of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. It is the only radar-guided air-to-air missile cleared for flight on the F-35.

A joint program led by the US Navy and USAF, the AIM-9X Sidewinder has more than 30 foreign commercial partners. This advanced, short-range, infrared-tracking missile has been combat-proven in multiple theaters around the world. The weapon is configured for easy installation on a wide range of modern aircraft, including the F-15C Eagle, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet, E/A-18G Growler, F-22 Raptor and all variants of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. As part of the Nasams, the AIM-9X adds a layer of short-range defense.

The Block II variant features a redesigned fuze and digital ignition failsafe, improving handling and flight safety. It features updated electronics, including a post-launch lock-on capability via a new data link to support beyond-visual-range engagements.