United States to sell Turkey air-to-air missiles

29 September 2008

Turkey-The United States is planning to sell a new shipment of powerful AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, worth $157 million, to the Turkish Air Force, the Pentagon has confirmed, the Turkish Daily News (TDN) reported on Monday.

"The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Turkey of AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM missiles, as well as associated equipment and services," the U.S. Defense Department's DSCA said in a statement late Friday.

Under U.S. law, this kind of military equipment sale to an allied country is carried out automatically unless at least one senator formally requests a hold on the sale within two weeks following the DSCA's notification. No such opposition is expected in this case.

The powerful medium-range AMRAAM missiles, which are used to shoot down flying targets, are to be used by the Turkish Air Force's F-16 fighter aircraft.

The air force is already using AMRAAMs it purchased earlier.

The estimated cost of the missile sale is $157 million. The high cost is for 107 AMRAAM missiles, two missile guidance sections, missile containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistic support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support, the DSCA said.

"Turkey is a partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in the region. It is vital to U.S. national interest to assist our NATO ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability that will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives," the DSCA said.

"Turkey needs these capabilities for self-defense modernization, regional security, and U.S. and NATO interoperability. This modernization will enhance the Turkish Air Force's ability to defend Turkey, while patrolling the nation's extensive coastline and borders to protect against future threats," the Pentagon statement said. "The proposed sale will also enhance Turkey's ability to contribute to the global war on terrorism and NATO operations."

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Electronic and Missile Systems.