Latest news with #AIM-120C-8AMRAAM
See - Sada Elbalad
25-07-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Pentagon approves $4.7bn surface-to-air missile package to Egypt
Basant Ahmed The Pentagon announced on Wednesday that the State Department has approved a potential sale of advanced air defense systems to Egypt for approximately $4.67 billion. The sale includes NASAMS advanced surface-to-air missile systems, a wide range of missiles, radars, and technical support and training equipment. According to a statement from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the deal includes a comprehensive package of weapons and equipment, most notably the NASAMS air defense system, a medium- to long-range mobile system used to protect airspace from aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones. The deal also includes four AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel radars, which are advanced 3D radars for detecting air threats with high accuracy, as well as 100 AMRAAM-ER missiles and 100 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles, two of the latest radar-guided air-to-air missiles effective against long-range targets. 'This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,' the Defense Security Cooperation Agency statement said, referring to Egypt. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
News18
19-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Why US Selling AMRAAM Missiles To Pakistan's Ally Turkey Could Be A Problem For India
Last Updated: 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. advetisement 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. Advertisement 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? advetisement 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. top videos View All 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. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : News18 Explains President Recep Tayyip Erdogan US-Turkey relations Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 19, 2025, 08:25 IST News explainers Why US Selling AMRAAM Missiles To Pakistan's Ally Turkey Could Be A Problem For India
