Latest news with #AIM-120C-8AdvancedMediumRangeAir-to-AirMissiles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Turkiye to buy Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles from US for $225M
This purchase from the US is expected to further boost the air defence system of Turkiye, which is already investing heavily to make its military stronger In addition to air force assets, Turkiye's naval and land forces also rely significantly on US-origin equipment. New Delhi In a major weapons purchase deal, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has approved the possible sale of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles to the Republic of Turkiye at an estimated cost of $225 million. This includes not just the missiles but also a support package covering logistics and program assistance, according to an official statement by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Wednesday. The agency said it has delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on May 14. The development came after NATO ally Turkiye requested to buy 53 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and six AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections. 'This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security of the US by improving the security of a NATO ally that continues to be a force for political and economic stability in Europe,' said the DSCA statement. The DSCA further detailed that these items will also be included in weapons sale deal: AMRAAM containers and support equipment; Common Munitions Built-in-Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); spare parts, consumables and accessories, repair and return support; weapons system support and software; classified software delivery and support; classified publications and technical documentation; transportation support; studies and surveys; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and programme support. How will this strengthen Turkiye's air defense capabilities? This purchase is expected to strengthen Turkiye's air defense, which has been a key area of investment in its military modernisation efforts. Like India, Turkiye also bought an S-400 air defence system from Russia in 2019, for which the US was not happy at that time. The S-400 is considered one of the most sophisticated air defence systems in today's time. 'This proposed sale will provide Turkiye with a critical air defense 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,' the DSCA mentioned. It emphasised that the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. What does the US-Turkiye arms trade history look like? Historically, Turkiye and the US have criticised each other on various issues from time to time. More importantly, regarding the issue of an independent Palestinian state, Turkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has openly blamed the US on several occasions for supporting Israel, which is further deepening the ongoing crisis. Interestingly, this has not affected US-Turkiye relations, and Turkiye continues to purchase weapons from the US. Turkiye has bought many weapons and military systems from the US over the years as part of their NATO partnership. These include a large number of F-16 fighter jets, which form the backbone of the Turkish Air Force. Turkiye also used older US planes like the F-4 Phantom and helicopters such as the Black Hawk and Chinook. They were once part of the F-35 stealth jet program, but the US removed Turkiye from the project in 2019 after it bought a Russian air defense system S-400. What other US military systems has Turkiye acquired? In addition to air force assets, Turkiye's naval and land forces also rely significantly on US-origin equipment: Navy: Ships like the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates Army: Tanks such as the M60 Patton, armored vehicles like the M113, and artillery systems Missiles: Beyond AMRAAM, also Sidewinder and Maverick for jets and helicopters Moreover, the US has contributed to Turkiye's defense posture through military aid, training, and tech-sharing, with transport planes like the C-130 Hercules and KC-135 tankers for refuelling. While Turkiye now builds many of its own drones, it earlier worked with the US on surveillance UAVs. Relations between the two countries have seen ups and downs, especially after 2019, but defense ties still continue through sales, upgrades, and shared NATO operations.
Miami Herald
13-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Biggest Arms Deal in History a Win for Trump
As President Donald Trump tours the Middle East, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed a historic $142 billion arms deal that according to the White House was the largest defense sales agreement in history. The U.S. has recently finalized a series of arms deals with Gulf allies worth multiple billions of dollars, signaling Washington's continued strategic tilt toward regional partners amid escalating tensions with Iran and rivalry with Russia and China. The U.S. is deepening defense ties with Gulf allies through multi-billion-dollar arms deals as Trump returns to the region, reaffirming America's military foothold in a region increasingly eyed by China and Russia. "The sales that we intend to complete fall into five broad categories: air force advancement and space capabilities, air and missile defense, maritime and coastal security, border security and land forces modernization, and information and communication systems upgrades," the White House said in a statement. Earlier this month, the State Department approved a $3.5 billion sale of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles to Saudi Arabia, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. In March, the U.S. approved the sale of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) to the kingdom costing nearly $100 million upon the kingdom's request to buy 2,000 high precision weapons, the agency said. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said both countries had worked "to take on terrorism and all its manifestations today, with groups like the Houthis," as he met with Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, the Saudi Defense Minister, in February. The U.S. recently approved the sale of advanced MQ-9B drones to Qatar for nearly $2 billion, the first sale of its kind to the region, aimed at enhancing the defense capabilities of the country that hosts the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East. Trump's ties with Qatar haver been boosted by its supporting role in brokering the ceasefire in Gaza between Israel. White House envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Doha on Tuesday evening in an effort to broker a new hostage-release and ceasefire deal, according to Axios. The relationship has recently come under scrutiny after Trump said he would accept a $400 million luxury plane as a gift from Qatar's royal family-though not yet confirmed by Qatar-to be used as Air Force One and transferred to the Trump presidential library foundation after he leaves office. As Trump headed to Riyadh, the State Department approved the sale of CH-47F Chinook Helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.32 billion to the United Arab Emirates - another key regional ally. "The UAE will use these assets in search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian support, and counterterrorism operations," the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated. White House in Tuesday statement: "Underscoring our commitment to strengthening our defense and security partnership, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed the largest defense sales agreement in history-nearly $142 billion, providing Saudi Arabia with state-of-the-art warfighting equipment and services from over a dozen U.S. defense firms." Brian Katulis, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, wrote on May 8: "The Middle East remains a key arena for geopolitical competition, and the fact that President Trump is making his first scheduled overseas trip in his second term to the Middle East sends a message that he is prioritizing the region." With Trump eyeing other big deals from Middle East partners, the U.S. is committed to enhance security and defense cooperation with key allies that also reinforce the strategic role of the United States. Related Articles The Stupidity of Law Firms Giving Up on the Law | OpinionSocial Security Users To Get $4,000 Boost in Payments: Who Is Eligible?Sky-High Corruption From Our Government of Gangsters | OpinionTrump Visits Saudi Arabia, Seeks $1 Trillion in Deals: Live Updates 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Biggest Arms Deal in History a Win for Trump on Middle East Tour
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. As President Donald Trump tours the Middle East, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed a historic $142 billion arms deal that according to the White House was the largest defense sales agreement in history. The U.S. has recently finalized a series of arms deals with Gulf allies worth multiple billions of dollars, signaling Washington's continued strategic tilt toward regional partners amid escalating tensions with Iran and rivalry with Russia and China. Why It Matters The U.S. is deepening defense ties with Gulf allies through multi-billion-dollar arms deals as Trump returns to the region, reaffirming America's military foothold in a region increasingly eyed by China and Russia. Advanced Weapons to Saudi Arabia "The sales that we intend to complete fall into five broad categories: air force advancement and space capabilities, air and missile defense, maritime and coastal security, border security and land forces modernization, and information and communication systems upgrades," the White House said in a statement. Earlier this month, the State Department approved a $3.5 billion sale of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles to Saudi Arabia, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. In March, the U.S. approved the sale of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) to the kingdom costing nearly $100 million upon the kingdom's request to buy 2,000 high precision weapons, the agency said. A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade load an Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) training round for a live-fire exercise, Sept. 23, 2021, Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The APKWS is... A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade load an Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) training round for a live-fire exercise, Sept. 23, 2021, Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The APKWS is the newest laser-guided rocket system utilized by the 12th CAB stationed throughout Europe. More Pfc. Jesus Menchaca/U.S. Army/DVIDS Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said both countries had worked "to take on terrorism and all its manifestations today, with groups like the Houthis," as he met with Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, the Saudi Defense Minister, in February. Unprecedented Drone Sales to Qatar The U.S. recently approved the sale of advanced MQ-9B drones to Qatar for nearly $2 billion, the first sale of its kind to the region, aimed at enhancing the defense capabilities of the country that hosts the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East. Trump's ties with Qatar haver been boosted by its supporting role in brokering the ceasefire in Gaza between Israel. White House envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Doha on Tuesday evening in an effort to broker a new hostage-release and ceasefire deal, according to Axios. The relationship has recently come under scrutiny after Trump said he would accept a $400 million luxury plane as a gift from Qatar's royal family—though not yet confirmed by Qatar—to be used as Air Force One and transferred to the Trump presidential library foundation after he leaves office. Billion in Sales to UAE As Trump headed to Riyadh, the State Department approved the sale of CH-47F Chinook Helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.32 billion to the United Arab Emirates — another key regional ally. "The UAE will use these assets in search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian support, and counterterrorism operations," the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated. What People Are Saying White House in Tuesday statement: "Underscoring our commitment to strengthening our defense and security partnership, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed the largest defense sales agreement in history—nearly $142 billion, providing Saudi Arabia with state-of-the-art warfighting equipment and services from over a dozen U.S. defense firms." Brian Katulis, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, wrote on May 8: "The Middle East remains a key arena for geopolitical competition, and the fact that President Trump is making his first scheduled overseas trip in his second term to the Middle East sends a message that he is prioritizing the region." What Happens Next With Trump eyeing other big deals from Middle East partners, the U.S. is committed to enhance security and defense cooperation with key allies that also reinforce the strategic role of the United States.
India Today
02-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
US clears $3.5 billion missile sale to Saudi ahead of Trump's Middle East visit
The US State Department has approved a potential USD 3.5 billion foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia, which includes AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related support, according to a statement from the Pentagon released part of the deal, Saudi Arabia has requested 1,000 AMRAAMs, 50 AMRAAM guidance sections, as well as missile containers, spare parts, and logistics support services, news agency Reuters proposed sale was formally reported to Congress by the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency. While the State Department has cleared the sale, this notification does not confirm the finalization of a contract or the conclusion of READ: Pak minister's X account blocked in India days after 'India will strike' claimThe main contractor for the deal would be RTX Corp (RTX.N), the Pentagon development comes ahead of President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from May 13 to 16, his first foreign trip of his second term, excluding a brief visit to Rome for Pope Francis' has frequently highlighted major commercial and defense agreements with Saudi Arabia, a key US partner in both arms sales and regional diplomacy, particularly in relation to the conflict in Ukraine and relations with Aabia was set to be Trump's first foreign destination since returning to the Oval Office this year, mirroring his first overseas trip in May 2017. However, the recent passing of Pope Francis prompted an earlier visit to Italy and the upcoming visit to the Gulf, covering Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi—highlights the strategic importance of these capitals in US foreign policy. As influential regional powers, they serve as key intermediaries and mediators while also being major investors in the US InMust Watch
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US State Dept approves $3.5 billion missile sale to Saudi Arabia
By Mike Stone WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. State Department approved a possible foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles and related support for $3.5 billion, the Pentagon said in a statement on Friday. The U.S. is poised to offer Saudi Arabia an arms package worth well over $100 billion during U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to the kingdom in May. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requested 1,000 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), 50 AMRAAM guidance sections and other equipment including spares, missile containers, and spare parts, and logistics support services. The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the possible sale on Friday. Despite approval by the State Department, the notification does not indicate that a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded. The principal contractor will be RTX Corp, according to the Pentagon.
