15-05-2025
US okays $304 mn missile sale to Turkey. Most advanced AMRAAM variant, short-range missile on offer
Under the proposed deal, the first package, valued at approximately $225 million, includes 53 AIM-120C-8 missiles and six guidance sections, along with support equipment, containers, Common Munitions Built-in-Test Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE), spare parts, classified software, and technical documentation.
In a statement Wednesday, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed that the required certification had been submitted to the US Congress, formally initiating the process.
New Delhi: The United States has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Turkey for the AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) along with AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles, in a deal valued at an estimated $304 million. The announcement comes at a time of heightened concern in India over Turkey's expanding military cooperation with Pakistan.
On the same day, the US state department also approved a separate sale of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles to Turkey, valued at $79.1 million. This deal includes 60 all-up-round missiles and 11 tactical guidance units, as well as associated support items.
In reference to the sale, the US described Turkey as a NATO ally and 'a force for political and economic stability in Europe'.
The DSCA said the proposed transfer would enhance Turkey's air defence capabilities and help protect both its own territory and US personnel stationed there.
The principal contractor for the sale is RTX Corporation, formerly Raytheon Technologies, based in Tucson, Arizona. No offset agreements have been proposed in the current package.
The AIM-120C-8 is the most advanced variant in the AMRAAM family and is built for beyond-visual-range engagements. It is powered by a solid-fuel rocket motor that propels it to speeds exceeding Mach 4 (roughly 4,900 km) per hour, and it can strike targets at ranges of up to 180 km, significantly surpassing earlier models.
Its advanced guidance system combines active radar, inertial navigation, and GPS corrections, making it a formidable fire-and-forget weapon.
Compatible with a wide range of platforms, including the US-made F-15, F-16, F-22, and F-35 fighter jets, it represents a substantial upgrade in Turkey's air-to-air missile inventory.
Turkey operates the second-largest fleet of F-16s in NATO, with approximately 270 F-16 C/D fighter aircraft, making it a strategic fit for this system.
On the other hand, the AIM-9X is a short-range, infrared-guided missile with a range up to 18 km. It is designed for high agility and off-boresight targeting, ideal for close-combat scenarios—complementing the AMRAAM capabilities.
Also Read: Controversial Pakistani firm BSI removed as partner from US satellite company's website
Amid Indian concerns
The announcement follows a flare-up between India and Pakistan last week, with India saying Pakistan used '300-400' Turkish drones to infiltrate Indian air space. Preliminary forensic assessments suggest the drones were Songar models produced by Turkish defence firm Asisguard. Officials confirmed that wreckage from the downed drones was undergoing further investigation.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it had taken note of both, the diplomatic and military support, Turkey provided to Pakistan in the lead-up to and during Operation Sindoor.
Tensions were further inflamed when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated his support for Pakistan Wednesday. He lauded Pakistan's 'patient, sensible and moderate attitude'.
'We openly declared our support for the brotherly people of Pakistan while also making intense efforts to de-escalate tensions that had reached dangerous levels,' Turkish media quoted him as saying.
Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to operate older AIM-120C-5 missiles, also supplied by the US, with an estimated range of 100 km. This AMRAAM was used by Pakistan in retaliation to India's 2019 air strikes on terrorist training camps in Balakot, and is compatible with its F-16 fleet. In addition, Pakistan is reportedly collaborating with China to develop next-generation beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAMs).
Pakistan used the Chinese-origin PL-15 BVRAAM in its attack following Operation Sindoor.
At a press briefing Monday, Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, director general air operations of the IAF, said that the missile missed its target, presenting visuals of the wreckage. 'Shown on the screen is a probable enemy PL-15 missile of Chinese origin. This missile has missed its target and you can see pieces that are available with us now.'
India has accelerated its own missile development initiatives under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Astra Mk1 BVRAAM, developed by the DRDO's Hyderabad-based laboratory and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited, is capable of engaging targets at speeds up to Mach 1.4 and ranges of up to 110 km. Work is also underway on two advanced variants, the Astra Mk2 and Mk3, that are expected to significantly enhance the Indian Air Force (IAF)'s air combat capabilities.
Additionally, India has enhanced its air combat capabilities with the Meteor and MICA missile systems integrated into its Rafale fighter jets. The Meteor, developed by European MBDA, is also a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) that employs a solid-fueled ramjet motor, allowing it to maintain high speeds over extended distances.
With an estimated range exceeding 200 km and a substantial no-escape zone of approximately 60 km, the Meteor provides the IAF with a significant advantage in engaging adversaries before they can respond effectively .
Complementing the Meteor, the MICA missile system offers versatility with its two variants—the MICA RF, utilising active radar homing, and the MICA IR, employing infrared guidance. Both variants are capable of engaging targets at ranges up to 80 km and are designed for both beyond-visual-range and close-combat scenarios. The MICA's agility is enhanced by its thrust-vectoring motor and its fire-and-forget capability allows pilots to engage multiple targets simultaneously without the need for continuous guidance.
(Edited by Sanya Mathur)
Also Read: From Pechora to S-400, Russian air defence systems India used to repel Pakistan's aerial incursions
