The US approves the sale of AMRAAM missiles to Romania for almost $600 million

The US Department of State has approved the sale of up to 186 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Romania.

Here's What We Know

Along with the AMRAAMS, Bucharest has also requested four AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections and related equipment. This includes AIM-120 training missiles, missile containers, propulsion sections, control sections, telemetry kits and spare parts for warheads.

The potential sale, worth $592 million, will improve the Romanian Air Force's ability to defend its airspace from intrusion.

In addition, the deal will improve Romania's ability to "perform self-defence and regional security missions, while enhancing operational cooperation with the United States and other NATO members."

It is worth noting that Romania will buy these missiles from the US, as the country recently purchased 32 used F-16s from Norway. This happened after Bucharest decommissioned its fleet of Soviet MiG-21s. This will increase Romania's fleet from the 17 F-16s it previously purchased from Portugal.

Flashback

The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a modern American medium-range air-to-air missile. First used in 1991, the AMRAAM replaced older models such as the AIM-7 Sparrow. It is equipped with an active radar homing head, which allows for a "fire and forget" attack where the pilot does not need to keep track of the target after launch. Capable of hitting targets at a range of up to 160 km, the AIM-120 has become the main missile for NATO aircraft and is used on F-15, F-16, F/A-18, Eurofighter Typhoon and other aircraft.

Source: The Defence Post