United States Department of State approved the sale of 100AIM-120C-7/8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and 1 AMRAAM Guidance Section (spare) and related equipment to Spain via the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) channel, at an estimated cost of $248.5 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) submitted the necessary certificate notifying Congress of this sale.
The contract with an estimated cost of $248.5 million (estimated costs reported by DSCA indicate maximum, contract costs generally lower) includes:
- AIM-120C-7/8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) (100)
- AMRAAM Guidance Section (spare) (1)
Also included are KGV-135A encryption devices; containers; weapon support and support equipment; spare and repair parts; publications and technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.
After the request is approved, Spain will enter into an agreement with Raytheon Missiles and Defense.
Currently, an active AMRAAM user, Spain uses these missiles for F / A-18 Hornet, EF-2000 Eurofighter Typhoon and AV-8B Harrier II fighter planes.
Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile: AMRAAM
AMRAAM missile was developed to be used against targets as part of “Beyond Visual Range”, which is known as BVR. It is the main BVR missile currently used by the USA. The United States as well as many NATO or non-NATO ally of the United States, including Turkey use this missile.
The AIM-120-C7 and C8 missiles ordered by Spain are the most advanced models of the AMRAAM missile series. The most important development in the C8 model is the presence of a bi-directional data link and a GPS supported navigation system.
