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Time of India
18-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
US warms to Turkey: Military deal triggers silent ripples in South Asia
Donald Trump's second term is reshaping global equations. He has not only reignited trade wars and cut foreign aid, but also made sharp diplomatic shifts, including backing Gaza aid, warming to Russia, and resuming military trade with Turkey , among others. The US government approved a potential sale of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles ( AMRAAM s) to Turkey last week, including 53 missiles and six guidance systems, along with spares, containers, software, and technical support. The AMRAAM system is known for its range, accuracy, and ability to engage multiple targets. The US defence security cooperation agency (DSCA) said the sale supports US foreign policy and strengthens Nato by improving Turkey's ability to defend itself and US forces stationed there. The announcement comes as Turkey supported Pakistan against India's Operation Sindoor targeting terror bases in Pakistan. After meeting Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, Turkey PM Erdogan called for "international engagement" on Kashmir and a 'human rights-based resolution.' This was followed by backlash from Indian merchants, businesses, and consumers who called for severing relations with Turkey. Turkey's continued support for Pakistan in multilateral forums has strained the relations between Turkey and India. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 선납금이나 위약금없이 전차종 24~60개월간 필요한만큼 타시고, 계약종료 후 반납/인수하세요! 신차장기렌트성지 더 알아보기 Undo Supplying Turkey with sophisticated US weaponry could potentially embolden Ankara's military posture, indirectly affecting India's security environment, given Turkey's close ties with Pakistan and involvement in regional conflicts. Turkey's purchase of US missiles is also important, especially considering the past friction between the two allies. In 2019, Turkey bought the Russian S-400 missile system, which led to US sanctions and Turkey's removal from the F-35 fighter jet programme. Relations have been uneasy since, with Turkey continuing to press for its re-entry into the programme. Despite political disagreements, especially over Syria and US support for Kurdish forces, Turkey remains heavily reliant on US defence technology. Its military uses American fighter jets, tanks, helicopters, and naval equipment. The AMRAAM sale is a continuation of this dependency.
Economic Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Pakistan's ally Turkey to buy AMRAAM missiles worth $225 million from US to boost its air defence: What it means
The United States has approved a $225 million missile sale to Türkiye, a key NATO ally, aimed at enhancing its air defence capabilities. This deal includes 53 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs and associated logistical support. While the sale underlines strategic cooperation, it also raises regional stakes, especially with Türkiye's past purchase of Russian S-400 systems. The transaction unfolds amid complex US-Türkiye ties, and coincides with growing military coordination, even as Türkiye eyes further US weapons, including the F-35 fighter jets. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why it matters: An air defence upgrade for Ankara A complicated but durable US-Turkey military ties From fallout to forward steps: The S-400 shadow Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Behind the Missiles: Trade, tensions, and energy In a significant development, the United States has cleared a potential sale of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Turkey. The deal, estimated at $225 million, was confirmed by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 14 proposed package includes 53 AIM-120C-8 missiles and six guidance sections. Alongside, the package also covers AMRAAM containers, BIT reprogramming gear, spares, software, technical documentation, and logistics assistance.'The 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,' said the a long-standing NATO member and regional military power, will face no difficulties in absorbing the technology into its armed forces, the agency confirmed. RTX Corporation, based in Tucson, Arizona, is the principal contractor. There are no additional US personnel deployments linked to the AMRAAM deal arrives 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.'This proposed sale will provide Türkiye with a critical air defense capability to assist in defending its homeland and U.S. personnel stationed there,' DSCA stated. The agency also stressed that this sale would not disrupt the military balance in the sale complements earlier acquisitions. Notably, Turkey had bought the Russian-made S-400 missile system in 2019, a move that drew ire from 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 sharp 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 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 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 decision to procure the Russian S-400 triggered a diplomatic standoff with Washington. As a result, the US imposed CAATSA sanctions and suspended Turkey from the F-35 programme. Still, Ankara has not backed down on the S-400 Recep Tayyip Erdoğan remains hopeful of reviving discussions. Ankara seeks to have the sanctions eased so it can resume talks over acquiring F-35s. Turkish officials believe that resolving this dispute could unlock wider defence collaboration between the two DSCA's green light for the AMRAAM sale may be a sign of thawing development coincides with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to Turkey for a NATO foreign ministers' meeting. Rubio is also expected to join possible Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks in sale could also shape Turkey's role in stabilising conflict zones. The Pentagon is reportedly drawing down troops in Syria, while Turkey has offered thousands of its own soldiers for regional is also willing to monitor potential Black Sea ceasefires, aligning with broader US interests in the has not limited its engagement with the US to defence. It 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 tensions remain. President 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 Congress signs off on the sale, it would mark another chapter in the long and complex defence relationship between the US and Turkey. With regional security challenges intensifying and NATO cooperation under pressure, the AMRAAM deal could be a step toward stabilising a key it leads to a broader resolution over the S-400 fallout remains to be seen. But for now, Ankara is rearming—and Washington is willing to sell.
The Print
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Print
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
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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.
Al Jazeera
09-05-2025
- Business
- Al Jazeera
After minerals deal, US approves arms sales to Kyiv, plays down peace plan
The Donald Trump administration last week approved its first sale of weapons to Ukraine after signing a memorandum of intent to exploit Ukrainian mineral wealth, suggesting that US foreign and defence policy under its current president will be driven by economic policy. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on May 2 that the Trump administration had approved the sale of parts, maintenance and training for F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine worth $310m. Defence newspaper The War Zone had previously said decommissioned F-16s were being shipped from a US Air Force graveyard in Arizona to Ukraine for spare parts, and published photos of partially dismantled F-16 fuselages being loaded onto a Ukrainian Antonov-124 transport plane at Tucson International Airport on May 1. The US sale announcement did not include operational F-16 aircraft or missiles, but European allies of Ukraine have reportedly promised a total of 85 working F-16s. This sale represented the first military aid from the Trump administration to Ukraine, and the first aid Ukraine would be paying for. The previous administration of President Joe Biden provided $130bn in financial and military grants to Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy first publicly offered to buy US weapons systems on April 15, specifically asking for Patriot air defence systems. The US sale followed the April 30 signing of a memorandum by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko to jointly exploit new mineral deposits in Ukraine, including metals, oil and gas. 'This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centred on a free, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine over the long term,' said Bessent. The memorandum said half of the proceeds from royalties and licensing fees payable to the government of Ukraine will be put into an investment fund for reconstruction purposes. It did not stipulate whether US investors would similarly invest any proportion of their proceeds, or if the US government would facilitate investment. Nor did the memorandum specify a timeframe for investment. Svyrydenko said the US government would contribute to the reconstruction fund, without specifying how much. Zelenskyy called it 'now truly an equal partnership' in his Mayday evening address and said it would allow the US and Ukraine 'to make money in partnership'. 'This partnership sends a strong message to Russia – the United States has skin in the game and is committed to Ukraine's long-term success,' said a White House statement. A day after signing the minerals deal, the Trump administration began to distance itself from the prospect of peace in Ukraine, despite Trump's promise to deliver it quickly after his inauguration. The administration delivered a ceasefire offer to Russia and Ukraine on April 17, calling it 'final'. 'It's going to be up to them to come to an agreement and stop this brutal, brutal conflict,' US Vice President JD Vance told Fox News on May 1. 'We're not going to fly around the world organising mediation meetings. Now it's up to the two sides,' said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. US Secretary of State and Acting National Security Advisor Marco Rubio told Fox News on the same day, 'We've got so many, I would argue even more important, issues going on around the world,' referencing 'what's happening in China' and 'Iran's nuclear ambition'. Whereas Ukraine has agreed to a US 30-day ceasefire proposal, Russia has not, proposing instead a three-day ceasefire to protect 29 international leaders attending a May 9 victory parade in Moscow to mark the end of the Second World War. Zelenskyy has dismissed that request. On May 9, he called on Putin again to 'a 30-day silence. But it must be real. No missile or drone strikes, no hundreds of assaults on the front… The Russians… must prove their willingness to end the war.' Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova responded by saying Zelenskyy 'unambiguously threatened world leaders'. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters the point of the three-day truce was 'to test Kyiv's readiness to find ways for a long-term sustainable peace'. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told Brazil's O Globo newspaper, 'The ball is not in our court. [Kyiv] has not shown readiness for negotiations so far.' Russia has prosecuted its war against Ukraine to the fullest, launching 1,300 assaults since the beginning of May. Russia suffered 35,000 casualties in April, and just less than 126,000 in the first four months of 2025, said Ukraine's Ministry of Defence – the equivalent of three rifle divisions. During that time, Russia occupied 1,627 sq km (628 square miles), a figure that included the recapture of its own Kursk region in March, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Al Jazeera is unable to independently verify casualty tolls. However, the ISW said Russian gains had 'slowed as Russian forces come up against more well-defended Ukrainian positions in and around larger towns such as Kupiansk, Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, and Pokrovsk over the last four months'. Ukrainian commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskii said the main threats were in 'primarily Sumy and Kursk, Pokrovsky, Novopavlovsk'. Russia has been intensifying its use of controlled air bombs (CABs) this year, said Ukraine's Joint Forces Task Force, dropping 5,000 in April versus 4,800 in March, 3,370 in February and 1,830 in January. Ukraine considers these 1.5-tonne bombs one of its biggest difficulties on the front lines. Neutralising Russia's ability to launch them from planes deep inside Russia was its main reason for requesting long-range strike capability from the former administration of President Joe Biden. Russia also stepped up long-range strikes against Ukraine's cities. Overnight on May 1, Russia fired five Iskander ballistic missiles and 170 drones and decoys. Two more Iskanders and 183 drones were launched on May 2. The northern city of Kharkiv, just 30km (19 miles) from the Russian border, was particularly hard-hit, with 10 fires recorded in various districts of the city, said the State Emergency Service. Some 44 people were injured. Russia struck Kharkiv again days later, engulfing its commercial market in flames. Russia launched 165 drones on May 3 and 116 drones along with 2 Iskander missiles the following day. On Wednesday, a ballistic missile and drones struck Kyiv, killing a mother and son. 'The Russians are asking for silence on May 9, but they themselves strike Ukraine every day,' wrote Zelenskyy on Telegram. The ISW said 'the Kremlin is attempting to prolong negotiations to extract additional concessions from the United States and Ukraine.' Ukraine held its front line against an escalating Russian onslaught and struck targeted blows against Russia's military machine. Ukraine's head of military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, told The War Zone that Ukrainian Magura-7 unmanned surface drones had successfully downed two Russian Sukhoi-30 fighter jets using AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles originally designed for air-to-air use. The pilot of the first Russian Su-30 was rescued by a civilian ship near the port of Novorossiysk in the Black Sea. The second Su-30 fell over Crimea. The crew did not survive, said Budanov. The downing of a Sukhoi by a surface drone was unprecedented, he added. Ukrainian military intelligence pioneered the use of surface kamikaze drones to strike Russian Black Sea Fleet ships, and on December 31 used them to launch rockets, downing two Russian helicopters. It was the first time surface drones had been used against air targets – another Ukrainian innovation. Since late 2022, Ukraine has also pioneered the use of light, first-person-view drones to perform targeted munitions drops on enemy armour and personnel. 'Over the past two months – March and April – our drones have hit and destroyed over 160 thousand enemy targets,' wrote Syrskii on Telegram. In April, drones destroyed more than 83,000 targets, 8 percent more than in March, he claimed, lauding the 'effectiveness of Ukrainian unmanned systems'. In addition, he said deep-strike weapons had hit 62 targets on Russian territory in April. In the past week, Ukrainian drones torched the Fiber Optic Systems plant in Saransk, Republic of Mordovia, for the second time in a month, Russia's only plant manufacturing fibre-optic cable used in unmanned aerial vehicles. They seemed to have also struck the nearby Saranskkabel machine-building plant. Ukraine also struck the Instrument-Making Design Bureau in Tula, which produces antitank systems and small arms, as well as the Scientific-Production Association (SPLAV), which produces multiple-launch rocket systems. Further, Ukraine claimed to have struck airbases in the Moscow and Kaluga regions, housing cruise missiles, Tupolev-22M3 strategic bombers and Su-27 and MiG-29 fighter jets. 'You are writing the history of the modern Ukrainian statehood,' Syrskii wrote on Telegram on Tuesday. 'You are the modern history of Ukraine.'
