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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
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
