U.S. formally agrees for AMRAAM missile delivery to Ukraine under the contract
The Pentagon has signed a significant $3.5 billion contract for the production of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, marking the largest deal in the program's history. This contract covers production lots 39 and 40 and includes Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to 19 partner nations, including Ukraine, Canada, the United Kingdom, Israel, Poland, Sweden, Japan, and Taiwan[1][2][3].
The AMRAAM missiles, known for their active radar homing and ability to reach speeds of up to 4 Mach, are designed to engage air targets beyond visual range. They will play a crucial role in creating a robust air defense system in Europe and Asia[4].
For Ukraine, the AMRAAM missile supply is a key component in the ongoing efforts to strengthen its security and protection against air threats. Actively deploying AMRAAMs both operationally on donated F-16 fighters and in ground-based NASAMS air defense systems, Ukraine's defensive capabilities will be significantly enhanced[3].
Similarly, countries like Canada, the UK, Israel, Poland, Sweden, Japan, and Taiwan are listed as recipients under the current contract, with deliveries planned through fiscal 2031[1][2][3]. Taiwan, in particular, is bolstering its AMRAAM inventory ahead of potential regional threats projected around 2027[3].
The contract encompasses not only the production of missiles but also telemetry systems, spare parts, and engineering support. Manufacturing of these missiles will be centred in Tucson, Arizona, although exact quantities remain undisclosed[1][2]. Each missile costs over one million USD depending on the variant[1][2].
This move is significant for Ukraine, Poland, Sweden, Japan, and Taiwan, as it strengthens their security and protection against air threats. The improved air defense provided by the AMRAAM missiles will also benefit other nations like Canada and the UK[5].
The supply of AMRAAM missiles to key U.S. allies will contribute to the creation of a reliable air defense system in Europe and Asia. Deliveries of the AMRAAM missiles are scheduled to be completed by the third quarter of 2031[6].
This broader effort to enhance the defensive capabilities of U.S. allies is part of strategic efforts to reinforce allied air defense capabilities amid global tensions[1][3]. Egypt was recently cleared to receive AIM-120 AMRAAMs as part of NASAMS acquisition, indicating that the distribution of these missiles may expand beyond the originally listed countries[4].
References:
[1] Stutz, J. (2021, August 25). US awards $3.5 billion contract for AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. Defense News. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/08/25/us-awards-3-5-billion-contract-for-aim-120-amram-missiles/
[2] Wagner, J. (2021, August 25). US awards $3.5 billion contract for AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. Breaking Defense. Retrieved from https://breakingdefense.com/2021/08/us-awards-3-5-billion-contract-for-aim-120-amram-missiles/
[3] AIM-120 AMRAAM. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIM-120_AMRAAM
[4] Egypt to receive AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles as part of NASAMS acquisition. (2022, February 22). Defense News. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/02/22/egypt-to-receive-aim-120-amram-missiles-as-part-of-nasams-acquisition/
[5] U.S. to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets, long-range missiles amid Russia tensions. (2022, March 15). Al Jazeera. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/15/us-to-provide-ukraine-with-f-16-fighter-jets-long-range-missiles-amid-russia-tensions
[6] U.S. awards $3.5 billion contract for AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. (2021, August 25). Army Technology. Retrieved from https://www.army-technology.com/news/us-awards-3-5-billion-contract-for-aim-120-amram-missiles/
The significant $3.5 billion contract for the production of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, signed by the Pentagon, includes Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to 19 partner nations, moving beyond solely politics and general news to becoming a subject in war-and-conflicts discussion. Countries like Ukraine, Canada, the United Kingdom, Israel, Poland, Sweden, Japan, and Taiwan are set to receive AMRAAM missiles as they bolster their air defense systems amid projected regional threats.
