WASHINGTON, Aug 12, 2014 – The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Turkey for AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $320 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on August 11, 2014.
The Government of Turkey has requested a possible sale of 145 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), 10 missile guidance sections, and 40 LAU-129 launchers, containers, support equipment, spare and repair parts, integration activities, publications and technical documentation, test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor logistics, engineering and technical support, and other related elements or logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $320 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 NATO ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.
The Turkish Air Force (TAF) intends to obtain these missiles to modernize its inventory, which will support its own air defense needs and improve its interoperability with the U.S. and other NATO allies.. These missiles will be used on the TAF’s F-16 aircraft (and eventually their F-35 aircraft) and will maintain the TAF’s air-to-air capability to defend its extensive coastline and borders against future threats. Turkey will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be Raytheon Corporation in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Turkey involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical reviews/support, program management, and training. U.S. contractor representatives will be required in Turkey for integration, testing, and training. The number and duration are unknown and will be determined during contract negotiations.
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.
All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.
-30-