U.S. clears $104M Sidewinder sale to NATO allies
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale of AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles and related equipment to the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) on behalf of Belgium, Italy, and Romania.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of the possible $103.9 million deal on Tuesday.
According to DSCA, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency has requested the purchase of up to 96 AIM-9X Block II or Block II+ tactical missiles—8 for Belgium, 24 for Italy, and 64 for Romania. The request also includes 12 AIM-9X Block II or Block II+ tactical guidance units for Romania, as well as missile containers, publications, technical documents, and logistics and training support.
In a release, the agency said the proposed sale “will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of NATO Allies that are a force for political stability and economic progress in the North Atlantic region.”
The deal is intended to enhance NATO’s ability to counter current and future threats by integrating Sidewinder missiles and guidance units into allied F-35 fleets. “NATO will have no difficulty absorbing these weapons into its armed forces,” DSCA stated. The proposed transfer, it added, would not alter the basic military balance in Europe.
The principal contractor for the program will be RTX Corporation, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. At present, no offset agreements have been disclosed, though such arrangements may be negotiated directly between the purchaser and the contractor.
Implementation of the deal is not expected to require the permanent assignment of U.S. personnel to NATO. However, the State Department noted that U.S. engineering and technical services could be provided on an interim basis to support integration and training.
The AIM-9X Sidewinder is one of the U.S. military’s most advanced short-range, air-to-air missiles.
RTX describes the weapon as “configured for easy installation on a wide range of modern aircraft, including the F-15C Eagle, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet, E/A-18G Growler, F-22 Raptor, and all F-35 Joint Strike Fighter variants.” In addition to its air-to-air role, the missile can be deployed within the NASAMS air defense system to add a short-range layer of protection.
The latest Block II version of the Sidewinder incorporates a redesigned fuze, a digital ignition safety device, and updated electronics, including a datalink enabling lock-on-after-launch capability. These upgrades expand the missile’s effectiveness, including in beyond-visual-range engagements.
Pentagon officials stressed that the sale will not adversely affect U.S. defense readiness. Instead, it is expected to strengthen NATO interoperability at a time when allied air forces continue to modernize their fleets with advanced platforms such as the F-35.
If approved by Congress, the missiles will be delivered through the NSPA to Belgium, Italy, and Romania for operational use.
