WASHINGTON, December 24, 2012 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Dec. 21 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Turkey for SIDEWINDER missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $140 million.
The Government of Turkey has requested a possible sale of 117 AIM-9X-2 SIDEWINDER Block II All-Up- Round Missiles, 6 AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical Guidance Units, 6 Dummy Air Training Missiles, 130 LAU- 129 Launchers, containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related logistics support. The estimated cost is $140 million.
Turkey is a partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our North Atlantic Treaty Organization (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 Turkish Air Force is modernizing its fighter aircraft to better support its own air defense needs. The proposed sale of AIM-9X-2 missiles will improve Turkey’s capability for self defense, modernization, regional security, and interoperability with the U.S. and other NATO members, making it a more valuable partner in an increasingly important area of the world. Turkey will have no difficulty absorbing these missiles into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this weapon system will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require travel of U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Turkey on a temporary basis for program technical support and management oversight.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.