The United States Department of State has approved a significant military sale to Türkiye through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The sale, estimated at a total value of $304,1 million, includes modern air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II and AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) formally notified Congress of this potential sale on May 14, 2025.
Sales Package Contents
With an estimated maximum cost of $304,1 million as reported by DSCA, the package includes a variety of missiles and related equipment:
- 53 AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles
- 6 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance units (estimated cost $225 million)
- 60 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II air-to-air missiles
- 11 AIM-9X Block II guidance units (estimated cost $79,1 million)
In addition to these missiles, the sales package includes training services, technical documentation, support and test equipment, engineering, technical and logistics support services from the US government and contractor companies, and other related elements of logistics and program support. Following approval, Türkiye is expected to sign a contract with RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon), the main manufacturer of these missiles.
Importance and Usage Areas of Missiles
The missiles approved for sale play an important role in modern air combat. The AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile) is known as a radar-guided, beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile. It offers high target tracking and hitting success thanks to its RF seeker head and advanced guidance system. This missile, which is widely used by NATO allies and various air forces, is also considered a critical component of land-based air defense systems such as NASAMS.
The AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II stands out as an infrared-guided, short-range missile. It provides superiority in close air combat thanks to its high maneuverability and modern targeting systems. This missile, which can be fired from both air and land- and sea-based platforms, is widely used by the air forces of the US and NATO countries.
These missiles are expected to be used in various air missions, primarily with the F-16 fighter jets in the Turkish Air Force inventory. This will significantly increase Türkiye's air defense and air-to-air combat capabilities.
Process and Past Developments
The release stated that the implementation of this sale would require annual trips of experts from the US to Türkiye for technical reviews, support and supervision for approximately eight years.
Türkiye’s F-16 Block 70 fighter jet procurement package negotiations also included the air-to-air missiles in question and a large number of munitions. Initially, it was announced that the package included 952 AIM-120C-8 and 401 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles, but it was stated that this amount was significantly reduced in the process and the package worth $21 billion was reduced to approximately $6 billion. This latest approval paved the way for the supply of these important missiles to Türkiye, albeit in small numbers.
The US approval of this sale is considered an important indicator for the continuity of defense cooperation between the two NATO allies. This step can be interpreted as part of efforts to get relations back on track, especially after some tensions following Türkiye's purchase of the S-400 air defense systems. The sale is expected to be finalized after Congress' 15-day objection period.
