Why US Selling AMRAAM Missiles To Pakistan's Ally Turkey Could Be A Problem For India
India is concerned about the geopolitical implications of the $225 million deal, instead of its financial value or the type of missile being sold to Turkey
The United States has approved to supply AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Turkey, which could trigger serious concerns for India.
The $225 million deal marks an attempt by the two NATO allies to reset strained relations and strengthen trade and military cooperation.
Meanwhile, India is concerned about the geopolitical implications of the deal, instead of its financial value or the type of missile being sold to Turkey.
What Is The AMRAAN Missile Deal?
Ankara has asked the US for 53 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM, six AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections, and related support for $225 million, as per The Defence Post.
In addition, it ordered 60 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II All Up Round missiles and 11 AIM-9X Block II Tactical guidance units for a total cost of $79.1 million.
Turkey, having the second-largest armed forces within the alliance after the US, operates a fleet of F-16 fighter aircraft that can launch AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs and AIM-9X Sidewinders.
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The AIM-120C-8 is fitted with a blast fragmentation warhead and is designed to hit targets beyond visual range, while the AIM-9X is used for engaging short-range threats, reinforcing the country's air defence.
RTX Corporation, based in Tucson, Arizona, is the principal contractor. There are no additional US personnel deployments linked to the sale.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated: 'This 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."
The agency added, 'This proposed sale will provide Turkiye with a critical air defence capability to assist in defending its homeland and US personnel stationed there. Turkiye will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces."
Why Ankara's Air Defence Upgrade Is A Concern
The development comes 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.
In fact, this sale complements earlier acquisitions. Notably, Turkey had bought the Russian-made S-400 missile system in 2019, a move angered 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.
AMRAAM manufacturer Raytheon has described it as the 'world's most sophisticated, combat-proven air dominance weapon." It has been tested in over 4,900 live-fire scenarios and has accounted for more than 13 air-to-air combat victories.
The missile has been integrated into multiple fighter aircraft platforms including the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22 Raptor, Eurofighter Typhoon, Gripen, Tornado, Harrier and all variants of the F-35.
Why Is India Concerned?
In February 2019, during aerial combat that followed the Balakot air strikes, Pakistani F-16 fighters reportedly fired AMRAAM missiles at Indian aircraft over Jammu and Kashmir.
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The skirmish took place after the Indian Air Force aircraft targeted terrorist camps in Balakot, Pakistan, in response to the Pulwama attack.
According to senior Indian government sources, India furnished evidence to the United States showing that AMRAAMs were used by Pakistani jets in this encounter.
'The US decision has alarmed the Modi government as India in 2019 gave proof to the Americans about the use of F16 fighters and AMRAAM beyond visual range air-to-air missiles by Pakistan during its unsuccessful aerial raid targeting Indian military installations," sources told The Economic Times.
Thaw In US-Turkey Relations?
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Despite 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.
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Not just defence, Turkey 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.
But despite all these developments, Turkish President Tayyip 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.
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First Published:
May 19, 2025, 08:25 IST
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