Pakistan's ally Turkey to buy AMRAAM missiles worth $225 million from US to boost its air defence: What it means

Economic Times

16-05-2025

The United States has approved a $225 million missile sale to Türkiye, a key NATO ally, aimed at enhancing its air defence capabilities. This deal includes 53 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs and associated logistical support. While the sale underlines strategic cooperation, it also raises regional stakes, especially with Türkiye's past purchase of Russian S-400 systems. The transaction unfolds amid complex US-Türkiye ties, and coincides with growing military coordination, even as Türkiye eyes further US weapons, including the F-35 fighter jets.
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Why it matters: An air defence upgrade for Ankara
A complicated but durable US-Turkey military ties
From fallout to forward steps: The S-400 shadow
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Behind the Missiles: Trade, tensions, and energy
In a significant development, the United States has cleared a potential sale of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Turkey. The deal, estimated at $225 million, was confirmed by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 14 May.The proposed package includes 53 AIM-120C-8 missiles and six guidance sections. Alongside, the package also covers AMRAAM containers, BIT reprogramming gear, spares, software, technical documentation, and logistics assistance.'The proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that continues to be a force for political and economic stability in Europe,' said the DSCA.Turkey, a long-standing NATO member and regional military power, will face no difficulties in absorbing the technology into its armed forces, the agency confirmed. RTX Corporation, based in Tucson, Arizona, is the principal contractor. There are no additional US personnel deployments linked to the sale.The AMRAAM deal arrives at a time when Turkey is actively upgrading its air defence posture. The missiles, known for their extended range and precision, will enhance Ankara's ability to secure its airspace and defend US personnel stationed on its soil.'This proposed sale will provide Türkiye with a critical air defense capability to assist in defending its homeland and U.S. personnel stationed there,' DSCA stated. The agency also stressed that this sale would not disrupt the military balance in the region.This sale complements earlier acquisitions. Notably, Turkey had bought the Russian-made S-400 missile system in 2019, a move that drew ire from the US and led to sanctions under CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act). That decision also resulted in Turkey's expulsion from the US-led F-35 fighter jet programme.Despite sharp differences over Syria and Russia, military cooperation between the US and Turkey has continued. For decades, Turkey has relied heavily on US defence exports. It has acquired a large fleet of F-16 fighter jets, along with older F-4 Phantoms and American helicopters like the Black Hawk and Chinook.On land and sea, Turkish forces also use US-origin equipment, including M60 Patton tanks, M113 armoured vehicles, and Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates. In the air, American missiles such as Sidewinder and Maverick support Turkish combat operations.The US has also supplied Turkey with C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and KC-135 refuelling tankers. While Ankara has made strides in drone development, it earlier depended on US-made surveillance UAVs.Turkey's decision to procure the Russian S-400 triggered a diplomatic standoff with Washington. As a result, the US imposed CAATSA sanctions and suspended Turkey from the F-35 programme. Still, Ankara has not backed down on the S-400 deal.President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan remains hopeful of reviving discussions. Ankara seeks to have the sanctions eased so it can resume talks over acquiring F-35s. Turkish officials believe that resolving this dispute could unlock wider defence collaboration between the two nations.The DSCA's green light for the AMRAAM sale may be a sign of thawing relations.This development coincides with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to Turkey for a NATO foreign ministers' meeting. Rubio is also expected to join possible Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks in Istanbul.The sale could also shape Turkey's role in stabilising conflict zones. The Pentagon is reportedly drawing down troops in Syria, while Turkey has offered thousands of its own soldiers for regional security.Turkey is also willing to monitor potential Black Sea ceasefires, aligning with broader US interests in the region.Turkey has not limited its engagement with the US to defence. It is considering increased imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and is negotiating with Boeing for aircraft purchases. These moves are part of a larger realignment that may further bind Ankara and Washington.Yet tensions remain. President Erdoğan has criticised the US over its support for Kurdish forces in Syria and over its stance on the Palestinian issue. Nonetheless, the sale suggests that both countries are willing to isolate defence cooperation from political differences.If Congress signs off on the sale, it would mark another chapter in the long and complex defence relationship between the US and Turkey. With regional security challenges intensifying and NATO cooperation under pressure, the AMRAAM deal could be a step toward stabilising a key alliance.Whether it leads to a broader resolution over the S-400 fallout remains to be seen. But for now, Ankara is rearming—and Washington is willing to sell.