U.S. Approves Air-to-Air Missile Sale to Germany

The U.S. Department of State approves the sale of AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles with related equipment to Germany. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the total value of the approved sales is $1.23 billion. The package, approved under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, now heads to Congress for final review.

The possible Foreign Military Sale to the Germany includes 400 AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, 12 AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM guidance sections, and AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM Captive Air Training Missiles. The estimated total cost of the sale is $1.23 billion. Spare parts, training, maintenance, and logistics support are also included in the packages.

The missiles are planned for use by Germany’s F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft fleet.

U.S. officials state that the proposed sales improve the security of a key NATO member country in Europe, increase its ability to counter current and future threats, and strengthen its capability to defend sovereign airspace. The DSCA emphasizes that the sale “does not alter the basic military balance in the region.”

According to the statement, the possible sale enhance the effectiveness of NATO defense missions, and ensure that Germany has modern and capable air-to-air munitions, increasing its ability to respond to current and future threats. The DSCA notes that Germany already have these munitions in their inventories and will not face challenges in integrating the new systems.